Premier League rocked as Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer collapses

The Premier League has been rocked by distressing scenes with a star footballer collapsing after suffering a cardiac attack.

Players of Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth leave the field. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest that forced the abandonment of his team’s Premier League match at Bournemouth on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Luton’s game was halted midway through the second half with the score at 1-1 after defender Lockyer collapsed on the pitch.

The Wales international was removed from the field of play on a stretcher surrounded by a medical team to a standing ovation from the crowd.

In a distressing scene Luton manager Rob Edwards sprinted onto the pitch to tell players to move away from their teammate as medical staff rushed to attend to him.

The Premier League confirmed the match had been abandoned and Luton later said he was in a stable condition in hospital.

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Tom Lockyer of Luton Town (obscured) receives medical treatment after collapsing. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

“Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher,” the club said in a statement.

“He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides. Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.”

The club issued a further statement hours later with more details.

Referee Simon Hooper is handed the match ball by Philip Billing of AFC Bournemouth as players of Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth leave the field. Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images.

Players of Luton Town applaud the fans. Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images.

The 29-year-old had heart surgery after collapsing during Luton’s Championship play-off final win against Coventry in late May.

Lockyer had suffered an atrial fibrillation, but recovered in hospital and underwent surgery. He was given the all clear to continue playing after Luton were promoted to the Premier League.

He returned to action for the start of the new season and had made 15 appearances so far in all competitions before Saturday’s match.

Wales posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer.”

It as referee Simon Hooper that called off the game after a break of 25 minutes.

In an earlier statement, Luton thanked Bournemouth’s staff and fans, and explained why their team understandably felt they could not continue with the game.

Tom Lockyer of Luton Town controls the ball. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

“We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital. We don’t know the full extent of what happened and what the next steps are at this stage, but we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely amazing.

“We are sorry to all supporters present that players from both sides were in no state of mind to continue with the game after seeing their much-loved teammate and friend taken off like that, and staff could not carry on with managing the game in such circumstances having had to deal with the situation.

Tom Lockyer stretchered off during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Coventry City and Luton Town at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2023.

“We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ name inside the stadium at such a difficult time.

“Now is the time for all of our players, staff and supporters to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family. Our thoughts are with him and them all.”

The BBC’s Aaron Paul said from the venue there was “silence around the Vitality Stadium” as the scenes unfolded.

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon described the situation as “horrendous” when speaking on BBC radio.

The football world immediately rallied round to show support for Lockyer, with England legend Gary Lineker tweeting: “Tom Lockyer has been stretchered off. Difficult to be sure if that’s good news but let’s hope so.”

Chelsea legend John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer.”

Ashley Young commented: “Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family.”

It is currently unclear whether the fixture will be replayed in full or carry on from the moment it was paused.