Fabrice Muamba sends touching message of support to Tom Lockyer after Luton captain collapsed against Bournemouth… 11 years after ex-Bolton star suffered his own on-pitch cardiac arrest
Fabrice Muamba, who himself suffered cardiac arrest on a football pitch, has sent his get well wishes to Luton Town's Tom Lockyer after collapsing in Bournemouth.
On Saturday, a minute after Bournemouth equalized in the second half, the Luton captain collapsed in his own half as play continued in the other half.
It was soon announced that Lockyer was in a 'stable' condition in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest, with the match abandoned as both players 'didn't feel like continuing'.
In an incident close to home for Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur while playing for Bolton in 2012, he quickly made his wishes known to Lockyer.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tom Lockyer,” Muamba wrote. 'It's great to hear that you are responsive and alert. Just rest and God wants you to recover well. I'm thinking of you and your family today.”
WARNING: TERRIBLE IMAGES BELOW
Luton captain Tom Lockyer was treated by medical staff after collapsing against Bournemouth
A visibly distraught Luton Town manager Rob Edwards after the harrowing incident
Fabrice Muamba sent his well wishes to Lockyer on Saturday evening after the incident
Muamba suffered his own cardiac arrest on the football field in 2012 while playing for Bolton
It was an incredibly disturbing scene for those at the Vitality Stadium as Lockyer went down with no one around him.
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch, with both players visibly distressed as paramedics and medical staff from both sides attended to Lockyer on the pitch.
The 29-year-old was 'responsive' as he was taken away on a stretcher ten minutes later to applause from across the ground.
It is the second time this year that Lockyer has collapsed during a match. In May he was taken to hospital during Luton's final play-off win against Coventry, but after heart surgery he was given the 'all clear' to return to action in June.
Lockyer's father, Steve, posted an Instagram photo that day of his family celebrating Luton's promotion to the Premier League from his hospital ward.
A statement from Luton confirmed that Lockyer responded and was taken to hospital, adding that players and staff were 'unable' to continue the match.
Lockyer also collapsed on the Wembley pitch during the Championship play-off final in May
Lockyer, who was taken off the pitch on a stretcher at Wembley, later had to undergo heart surgery
Lockyer's father Steve posted this photo of his family celebrating Luton's Premier League promotion after his collapse on the Wembley pitch in May
It said: 'Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch but responded as he was taken off on a stretcher.
“He received further treatment at the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams on both sides.
“Tom was taken 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 messages of love for Locks.”