“Bournemouth vs Luton to be replayed in full despite the unfortunate on-field cardiac arrest incident involving Luton captain Tom Lockyer last weekend. This was followed by a Premier League announcement confirming the decision.
Lockyer sadly collapsed in the 59th minute of the match that took place last Saturday, having suffered a cardiac arrest. This unfortunate incident subsequently prompted the decision to abandon the match on the day.
The rescheduled match is expected to take place later in the season with a precise date yet to be decided. The authorities and team management will coordinate to select a suitable date that aligns with both teams’ schedules as best as possible.
A statement issued by the Premier League had this to add: “The choice to call off the match in the 59th minute was a collective one, made in conjunction between the match officials, the players, the managers from both clubs participating and the Premier League authorities.
“The league would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the medical staff and all those involved for their swift and effective actions in response to what was an intensely upsetting situation for everyone involved.
“We wish Tom Lockyer a continued recovery and our thoughts are with him, his family, and everyone at Luton Town FC during this distressing time.”
Luton town made an announcement on Sunday that Lockyer remained in the hospital under ongoing tests and scans. They added that they would refrain from providing a “running commentary” on the health status of their defender in a bid to respect his privacy at this time.
When Lockyer collapsed, Luton’s manager Rob Edwards displayed immediate concern and ran onto the pitch at the Vitality Stadium to usher his players away. This was done to give free rein to the medical staff and paramedics to administer the required medical assistance.
The match was momentarily suspended as players and officials moved to the side of the pitch before heading back to the changing rooms a few minutes later.
Following the necessary medical treatments, Lockyer was then stretchered off the field, surrounded by medical staff. After a stoppage of around 25 minutes, the game was deemed off by the referee Simon Hooper, citing player safety and welfare.
This incident brought back painful memories from May’s Championship final, when Lockyer was stretchered off after collapsing on the pitch in the 11th minute.
Back then, Lockyer had suffered a condition known as atrial fibrillation. Following this scare, he fortunately recovered in the hospital and underwent successful surgery. Post his recovery, he was given the all-clear signal to continue playing after Luton were promoted to the Premier League.
Subsequent to the match’s abandonment, Edwards led his players in a walk around the pitch, applauding and acknowledging both sets of fans for their support and understanding.
Adding to the turmoil, moments before Lockyer’s collapse, Bournemouth had equalised through Dominic Solanke bringing the score to 1-1. Luton had previously taken an early lead in the game through player Elijah Adebayo.
Prior to Saturday’s match, Lockyer had made a total of 15 appearances in all competitions.”
World of sports 
Leave a comment