Luton captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital after pitchside collapse
The footballer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a match
Last updated 17th Dec 2023
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match against Bournemouth.
The 29-year-old Welshman was taken off the pitch by medical staff after he collapsed in the midst of the game on Saturday afternoon (December 16th).
Luton Town's manager Rob Edwards also immediately sprinted to Tom's aid after he fell to the ground, during the second half of the game - which had been tied 1-1.
Eventually after being rushed to hospital, the game's organisers abandoned the fixture as a mark of respect to the footballer after the 65th minute of play.
After the incident, the Hatters gave the vital update that the defender was "responsive" to medical officials and doctors, and had said that he was in a "stable" condition.
This is not the first time Lockyer has collapsed whilst on the pitch, as he had also fallen to the ground during Luton's crucial Sky Bet Championship final clash with Coventry, which secured them a place in the Premier League.
Following the match, Tom had undergone surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation in June, as he fought to maintain his footballing career - playing in fifteen matches before Saturday's fateful fixture.
Early on Sunday morning, the club released a statement that said that Lockyer was continuing to undergo tests, whilst the club tries to clear a path forward for one of its star players.
An updated statement posted to Luton Town's official website appealed for calm and asked that those keep Tom in their hearts as he recovers in hospital.
"We understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition," the statement read.
"We are unable to provide a running commentary on his situation, and request that all media please wait for any updates to be released via the club's official channels when the time is right.
"We all want the very best for Tom, his partner Taylor and the whole Lockyer family, and politely ask that his and their privacy is respected at this difficult time."