Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer was in a “stable” condition in hospital after experiencing a cardiac arrest on Saturday that led to his side’s English Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth being abandoned.
With the score level at 1-1 in the 65th minute, Lockyer suddenly fell to the turf. Hatters manager Rob Edwards sprinted out to the Welshman’s aid and play was paused as the Luton defender received treatment from medics.
Both sides were sent to the dressing room before Lockyer was eventually stretchered off, surrounded by the medical team, and taken immediately to hospital.
Photo: Reuters
There was a standing ovation from the crowd, with fans in the Vitality Stadium chanting Lockyer’s name.
“Our medical staff have confirmed that Tom Lockyer suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher,” Luton 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 team said.
About half an hour after the incident, referee Simon Hooper confirmed the game would not restart. Players from both sides returned to the pitch and applauded the crowd.
Lockyer also collapsed during Luton’s EFL Championship playoff final win against Coventry at Wembley in May. The Wales international was taken to hospital and later underwent heart surgery.
The incident in Bournemouth overshadowed a dramatic game at the Etihad Stadium, where champions Manchester City were cruising toward victory before conceding two late goals.
Crystal Palace have been something of a bogey team for City manager Pep Guardiola since he arrived in England in 2016 — they are one of only three teams to have won at the Etihad more than once, along with Manchester United and Chelsea.
City, without injured top-scorer Erling Haaland, had nearly three-quarters of possession in the first half, but had only Jack Grealish’s goal to show for their dominance.
They seemed destined to move to within one point of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who were to face Manchester United yesterday, when Rico Lewis thumped the ball into the bottom left corner in the 54th minute.
Yet Palace scored against the run of play to give themselves hope in the 76th minute when Jeffrey Schlupp shrugged off the attentions of the City defense and crossed for Jean-Philippe Mateta to get the ball home.
The home fans watched in horror when referee Paul Tierney pointed to the penalty spot after Phil Foden fouled Mateta.
Michael Olise made no mistake, slotting home in the 95th minute to make it 2-2 and boos rang around the Etihad at the final whistle.
“We gave away two points,” Guardiola told the BBC. “We had a good performance. We controlled the transitions really well and made a lot of set pieces, but Crystal Palace’s second goal cannot happen at this level.”
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