The football world has wished Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer a speedy recovery after he suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Premier League match in Bournemouth.
Lockyer, 29, remains 'stable, alert and responsive' in hospital following the frightening incident in the second half of the match at the Vitality Stadium, which was subsequently abandoned.
Gary Lineker, John Terry and Ashley Young were among the well-wishers on social media on Saturday evening.
Lockyer, who collapsed in last year's play-off final, fell to the ground in an off-the-ball incident in the 62nd minute of the match at the Vitality Stadium.
Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch as concerned players surrounded Lockyer.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world for Luton captain Tom Lockyer after he collapsed during a match at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium.
Gary Lineker wrote: Reports are coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank God'
He was treated by medical staff after collapsing in the second half and is reportedly 'alert and responsive'
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Paramedics stretchered him out after ten minutes of treatment on the pitch and half an hour after he crashed the match was abandoned.
The Bournemouth staff doctor confirmed Lockyer was 'alert and responsive'.
Gary Lineker reacted with relief to the news, writing on X, formerly Twitter: 'Reports are coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank God.'
Ashley Young extended his best wishes, writing: “Thoughts and prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family.”
John Terry wrote: 'Praying for Tom Lockyer.'
Football journalist Caoimhe O'Neill paid a heartfelt tribute, writing: 'Thoughts very much with Tom Lockyer and his family. Tom is one of the friendliest and most passionate people I have met in football. Gives his best on the field every match and is always so generous with his free time.'
Presenter and reporter Olivia Buzaglo wrote: 'Today put things into perspective. Football isn't important. That is the most horrific thing I, and probably everyone else in this stadium, have ever seen. All my thoughts and prayers go out to Tom Lockyer.”
Joey Barton offered up a post with praying hand emojis.
After confirming the match was abandoned, both groups of players showed their appreciation to the fans by walking around the Vitality Stadium pitch
Luton boss Rob Edwards was left in tears and distraught after the harrowing incident
One Luton fan account wrote: 'Tom Lockyer, you've given us enough. You've done enough to yourself. If your health is at risk, we prefer you to be healthy. Whatever happens in the future, you are our skipper, on or off the field.”
Lockyer's two former clubs, Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers, also shared their prayers about X.
A statement from Luton confirmed that Lockyer responded and was taken to hospital, adding that players and staff were 'unable' to continue the match.
“We are all hoping and praying for our leader and Captain Tom Lockyer, who is responding gratefully and has been taken to hospital,” the statement said.
'We do not know at this stage the full extent of what has happened and what the next steps are, but we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely fantastic.
“We apologize to all supporters present that players from both sides were unable to continue with the match after seeing their beloved teammate and friend leave in such a manner, and that staff were unable to continue managing the match. have had to deal with the situation in such circumstances.
Luton said players were 'not in the mood' to continue the match after Lockyer's collapse
'We thank everyone for the great applause and chanting Locks' name in the stadium at such a difficult time.
“Now is the time for all our players, staff and supporters to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family.
“Our thoughts are with him and all of them.”
Bournemouth tweeted: 'We're relieved to hear Tom's response. Our thoughts will remain with Tom and his family at this time.
“We would like to thank the entire medical staff for their quick action and everyone in the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.”
Luton's statement was echoed by a comment from the Premier League following the match's suspension.
“The Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a medical incident involving a player,” read a Premier League statement.
Lockyer 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, had to undergo heart surgery
“Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all the players involved in today's match.”
Lockyer underwent heart surgery after the Wembley incident and was cleared to return to play in June.
After the match with Bournemouth was officially abandoned, players from both Luton and the Cherries returned to the pitch to applaud the crowd, while Edwards sat on his lap around the ground, almost in tears.
The match was stopped at 1-1.