Bournemouth v Luton fixture called off after Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

The Premier League fixture between Bournemouth and Luton was called off midway through the second half after the Luton defender Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch.

Lockyer was attended to by paramedics and staff at the Vitality Stadium. A stretcher was brought out and play was paused with players from both sides sent to their dressing rooms as the Hatters defender, who remained on the ground, was treated.

Lockyer was removed from the field of play on a stretcher surrounded by the medical team, and there was a standing ovation from the crowd. The BBC and Sky Sports reported that Lockyer was “alert and responsive” in the tunnel.

Play was suspended at the Vitality Stadium, with the clock paused at 65 minutes, before being abandoned almost half an hour after Lockyer had been taken off.

Players from both sides returned to the pitch and applauded the crowd.

A statement from Luton Town read: “We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital.

“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.

“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 having had to deal with the situation.

“We thank everyone for the wonderful applause and singing of Locks’ name inside the stadium at such a difficult time. Now is the time for all of our players, staff and supporters to come together as we always do and give our love and support to Tom and his family.”