The Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town was abandoned on Saturday night after Luton's captain, Tom Lockyer, collapsed on the pitch around the hour-mark due to a cardiac arrest. Medical attention was swiftly administered, and both sets of players were taken off the field. Lockyer was later stretchered off, leading to the decision to abandon the match. Players from both teams, emotionally affected by the incident, applauded the fans as a gesture of acknowledgment. Luton Town expressed apologies to the supporters, citing the players' mental state in light of their teammate's condition. Subsequently, it was confirmed that Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest but was responsive upon being taken off the stretcher. The club conveyed gratitude to the medical teams for their prompt response. Lockyer is stable and undergoing further tests in the hospital, with his family by his side. This marks the second instance of Lockyer collapsing during a match this year, the first occurring in the Championship playoff final in May, after which he underwent heart surgery and made a successful return to playing in June.
Key Points:
1. The Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town was abandoned after Luton's captain, Tom Lockyer, collapsed on the pitch due to a cardiac arrest.
2. The incident occurred around the 60th minute with the score tied at 1-1, prompting immediate medical attention for Lockyer and the suspension of the match.
3. Players from both teams were taken off the pitch, and after some time, Lockyer was stretchered off.
4. The decision to abandon the match was made as players were not in a state of mind to continue after witnessing their teammate's distressing situation.
5. Both teams, along with fans, participated in a round of applause as a show of solidarity.
6. Luton Town expressed apologies to the supporters for the circumstances and clarified that the decision to abandon the game was due to the emotional state of the players and staff.
7. A subsequent statement from Luton confirmed that Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest but was responsive when taken off the stretcher.
8. Lockyer received immediate treatment inside the stadium, and he was transferred to the hospital, where he is reported to be stable and undergoing further tests.
9. This incident marks the second time in the year that Lockyer collapsed during a match, with the previous occurrence taking place in the Championship playoff final in May.
10. Lockyer, who had undergone heart surgery after the first incident, made a successful return to playing in June before the recent cardiac arrest during the Premier League match.
(With Agency Inputs)
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