Fabrice Muamba has sent well wishes to Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer after he suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday’s match against AFC Bournemouth. Luton’s Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium was abandoned after Lockyer collapsed in the second half.
Referee Simon Hooper suspended the game at around the hour mark after the 29-year-old fell to the floor near the centre circle.
Luton manager Rob Edwards was among those who rushed to Lockyer to clear room for paramedics to provide treatment while both sets of players were sent to their dressing rooms.
The Premier League later announced the abandonment, after which Edwards was spotted in tears while players returned to the pitch to applaud supporters.
In March 2012, Muamba collapsed in the first half of an FA Cup tie between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
The then-23-year-old’s heart stopped beating for 78 minutes but he astonishingly survived and has lived a fulfilled life since.
He took to X (formerly Twitter) to send his love to Lockyer after Saturday’s worrying incident on the south coast.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tom Lockyer. It’s great to hear you are responsive and alert. Rest up, and God willing, you recover well. Thinking of you and your family today,” Muamba posted.
The reason for Lockyer’s collapse was unknown in the short-term aftermath. But Luton have since confirmed their captain suffered a cardiac arrest and provided more details about his condition.
A statement read: “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.