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

• Luton’s Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during game at Bournemouth 
• Fabrice Muamba had his own cardiac arrest on a football pitch back in 2012 
• Premier League match was abandoned with players deciding not to continue 
• WARNING: Article contains distressing images 

Fabrice Muamba, who himself suffered a cardiac arrest on a football pitch, has sent his get well wishes to Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer after he collapsed at Bournemouth.

On Saturday, a minute after Bournemouth had equalised in the second half, the Luton captain collapsed in his own half, while the play was going on in the other half. 

It was soon announced that Lockyer was in a ‘stable’ condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, with the match abandoned as both sets of players were ‘in no state of mind to continue.’

In an incident that is close to home for Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 while playing for Bolton, he was quick to offer his wishes to Lockyer. 

‘Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tom Lockyer,’ Muamba wrote. ‘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.’

WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGES BELOW 

Luton captain Tom Lockyer was treated by medical staff after collapsing versus Bournemouth

A visibly distraught Luton Town manager Rob Edwards following the distressing incident 

Fabrice Muamba sent his well wishes to Lockyer on Saturday night, following the incident

Muamba suffered his own cardiac arrest on the football pitch playing for Bolton back in 2012

It was an incredibly distressing scene for those at the Vitality Stadium as Lockyer went down with nobody around him.

Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran on to the pitch, with both sets of 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 carried off on a stretcher 10 minutes later to applause from around the ground.

It is the second time this year that Lockyer has collapsed during a game. In May, he was taken to the hospital during Luton’s Championship play-off final win against Coventry but after heart surgery, he was given the ‘all clear’ to return to action in June. 

Lockyer’s dad, Steve, posted an Instagram picture that day of his family celebrating Luton’s promotion to the Premier League from his hospital ward.  

A statement from Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive and has been taken to hospital, adding players and staff were in ‘no state of mind’ to continue the match.

Lockyer also collapsed on the Wembley pitch during the Championship play-off final in May

Lockyer, seen being taken off the pitch at Wembley by stretcher, later required heart surgery

Lockyer’s dad Steve posted this picture of his family celebrating Luton’s Premier League promotion after his collapse on the Wembley pitch in May 

It 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.

‘We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.’

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