Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer is “responsive” after collapsing on the pitch during the Premier League match at Bournemouth, his club confirmed.
Both sets of players were taken off midway through the second half as Lockyer received medical treatment.
The 29-year-old was applauded by all four sides of the ground as he was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital, with the match abandoned.
“We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer,” Luton said.
“We don’t know the full extent of what happened and what the next steps are at this stage but we thank Bournemouth and the medical staff on both sides for their immediate response, which was absolutely amazing.”
Following confirmation the game was abandoned, both the Luton and Bournemouth players came back out on to the pitch to applaud the supporters, with Hatters manager Rob Edwards visibly emotional.
Lockyer collapsed during the play-off final win against Coventry in May before being taken to hospital.
He subsequently had heart surgery and was given the all-clear to return to playing in June.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a player medical incident.
“Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today’s match.”
Luton called for players, staff and supporters “to come together” in support of Lockyer and his family.
“We are sorry to all supporters present that players from both sides were in no state of mind to continue with the game after seeing their much-loved team-mate and friend taken off like that and staff could not carry on with managing the game in such circumstances,” Luton said.
“We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ [Lockyers’] name inside the stadium at such a difficult time.”
Bournemouth responded to Luton’s update on Lockyer’s condition, saying: “We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive.”
The club added: “Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family at this time. We’d like to thank all the medical staff for their quick action as well as everyone inside the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.”
