The Premier League match between Bournemouth and Luton Town was abandoned late on Saturday afternoon. The reason was the collapse of visiting captain Tom Lockyer – not his first on the pitch this year
It was 60 minutes into the game between hosts Bournemouth and promoted Luton Town when Bournemouth professional Philip Billing suddenly called doctors onto the pitch, gesticulating wildly. Luton captain Tom Lockyer had collapsed near the center circle fractions of a second earlier. Visiting coach Rob Edwards also rushed onto the pitch and sent the players away from the scene.
After lengthy treatment, Lockyer was taken off the pitch on a stretcher to applause from the stands. Half an hour after the incident, the match was understandably abandoned. Shortly afterwards, Luton posted good news on social media: “We are all praying for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital.”
While the “full extent of what has happened and the next steps are not known at this stage, we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely amazing”. Thanks also went to the fans who had delicately applauded and chanted Lockyer’s name.
After the abandonment was announced, both teams returned to the pitch to thank the fans. Luton coach Edwards was visibly moved.
Heart surgery after collapse in May
Certainly also because of Lockyer’s special history: The 16-time Welsh international had already collapsed during the decisive promotion match against Coventry City last May – also off the ball.
Because the all-clear was given quickly from the catacombs at the time, the game continued. After a dramatic penalty shoot-out, Luton were promoted to the Premier League for the first time. Lockyer then underwent heart surgery. In June, he was given the green light to continue his professional career.
