Luton Town release health update on Tom Lockyer after cardiac arrest with club captain still in hospital

LUTON TOWN have confirmed that Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following his cardiac arrest yesterday.

The Hatters have added that their skipper is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results.

Lockyer suffered his cardiac arrest during the second half of his side's Premier League match at Bournemouth.

The game was subsequently abandoned with players in "no state of mind to continue" - and is likely to be replayed in full at a later date.

Offering an update on Lockyer's condition on Sunday afternoon, Luton Town wrote in a statement: "While our captain Tom Lockyer remains in hospital following the cardiac arrest he suffered on the pitch at Bournemouth yesterday, we understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.

"Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.

"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."

Yesterday was the second time that Lockyer has collapsed on the pitch in 2023, having done so during last season's play-off final against Coventry at Wembley.

It was later confirmed that the 29-year-old suffered with atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat.

He subsequently underwent heart surgery and was given the all-clear to play again.

After Lockyer collapsed on Saturday, Luton boss Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch to urge concerned players to make way for the medical team.

Both teams were then sent back to the dressing rooms as Lockyer was treated by doctors on the pitch.

The match was then abandoned shortly after 5pm, with emotional players returning to the pitch to clap the fans.

The BBC were later praised for how they addressed the incident on Match of the Day.

The programme opened by quickly showing both goals from the match, while experienced host Gary Lineker explained what had happened.

Lineker called it a "traumatic day in the Premier League", before sending best wishes to Lockyer.

He added: "It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town."

'PRAYING FOR TOM LOCKYER'

The football world came together to wish Lockyer well.

Lineker himself tweeted: "Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens."

While John Terry wrote: "Praying for Tom Lockyer."

David de Gea posted: "Tom Lockyer 🙏🏼".

And Ashley Young added: ";Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family 🙏🏾".

In their initial statement not long after the game, Luton wrote: "We are able to provide a further, positive update on Tom Lockyer’s condition.

"Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.

"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.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks."