AFC Bournemouth hosted Luton Town FC in a Premier League clash on Saturday, December 16. The Cherries have registered 13 points out of the possible 15 in their last five matches. While the newly promoted Luton had only three points with one win in their last five outings. Bournemouth has been captained by their goalkeeper Neto, and Luton Town is being led by Tom Lockyer this season.
However, something catastrophic happened during the match as Luton Town’s defender and skipper Tom Lockyer suddenly collapsed on the pitch in the second half of the game. The 29-year-old was playing well till that moment and nothing seemed off with him.
As per the reports, the reason behind his on-field collapse was a cardiac arrest suffered by him in the 65th minute of the match. The defender was then immediately given medical attention. The medical staff rushed onto the pitch to grab a hold of the situation. All the players on the pitch seemed quite shocked and taken back by the turn of events.
The Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton Town was suspended in the 65th minute after Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/6hicm2kLeK
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 16, 2023
However, as per the reports coming out of Luton Town’s hierarchy, Lockyer had become alert and responsive and was instantly taken to the hospital. The scoreline of the match was 1-1 when the incident happened. However, considering the severity of the mishap, the Premier League made the health of Tom Lockyer the first priority.
A positive result against AFC Bournemouth was the need of the hour for Luton Town. They found themselves in the relegation zone after a below-par start to their top-flight campaign in England. Despite showing competitive performances recently, they have failed to register important points on the table.
Bournemouth vs. Luton Town game abandoned
After the medical attention given to Lockyer. and the player was carried off the field by the medical staff, the Premier League’s official authorities decided that the match should no longer be played ahead. As a result, the game was abandoned without any further action.
Luton Town have announced that captain Tom Lockyer is responsive and has been taken to the hospital 🙏
Their match against Bournemouth was suspended in the 65th minute after Lockyer collapsed on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/0Xfklbu5qG
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 16, 2023
However, nothing official has come out from the Premier League’s hierarchy about whether or when will the match be played again. Going by the history, if a game is suspended due to any unforeseen circumstances, it has been then rescheduled accordingly by the concerned league’s management.
Luton Town fans would hope and pray that the 29-year-old defender recovers well and remains out of any medical danger. His sudden on-field collapse has taken the sports hierarchy by storm. It remains to be seen if further statements regarding Lockyer’s current situation are vented out by the club.