Tom Lockyer, a team captain for the Premier League‘s Luton Town soccer club, was in stable condition Saturday at the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest on the field during a match.
The match between Luton and host Bournemouth was abandoned after Lockyer collapsed during the 59th minute. Peacock was carrying the match in the U.S. as part of the NBCUniversal streaming service’s Premier League deal.
“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,” the team said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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.”
The score was 1-1 at the time of the medical emergency. Players left the field about six minutes later.
Lockyer, 29, also collapsed last May during Luton’s promotion playoff final win against Coventry City at London’s Wembley Stadium. He spent five days in the hospital and had surgery to fix an atrial fibrillation, which causes the heart to beat too fast. Lockyer had received doctors’ all-clear to play this season following the surgery.
Luton is currently next-to-last in the Premier League with a record of 2-12-2. Lockyer has one goal and one assist this season.
The NBC Sports Soccer handle on X posted a clip of Luton Coach Rob Edwards applauding fans as he took an emotional walk around the stadium, waving in appreciation.
Men in Blazers, a popular soccer media outfit, also weighed in on X. “Dreadful scenes at Bournemouth,” its post began. “Hard to imagine what his teammates must be feeling and experiencing after seeing their teammate experience that moment on pitch. Wishing all strength and health in this awful moment.” It later added an update confirming that Lockyer was confirmed to be alert and responsive, adding a heart emoji.
