Luton Town vs. Bournemouth abandoned after Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

Luton Town's Premier League match against Bournemouth has been abandoned after captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch.

The 29-year-old went down near the centre circle with no other players around him in the 62nd minute of the game at the Vitality Stadium.

Luton boss Rob Edwards quickly raced onto the pitch to check on Lockyer, who also suffered a worrying collapse in the Championship playoff final at Wembley earlier this year.

The Wales international underwent heart surgery following that incident but was given the all-clear to return to football ahead of the club's first season back in the top flight.

Lockyer received several minutes of medical attention on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium, during which time the visibly-upset other players were taken off the field by referee Simon Hooper.

The Luton skipper was then stretchered off the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd, and the Daily Mail reports that a Bournemouth doctor has confirmed that the defender is "alert and responsive".

There's a break in play as Tom Lockyer seeks medical attention.

We are all with you, Locks 🧡 pic.twitter.com/vaGHqXf8Vk

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 16, 2023

However, the Premier League took the decision to abandon the game in the 65th minute, with the scores level at 1-1.

"The match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a player medical incident," read a statement from the Premier League.

"Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today's match."

Elijah Adebayo had opened the scoring for the Hatters after only three minutes, before Dominic Solanke equalised shortly before the hour mark.

The cause of Lockyer's previous collapse had been diagnosed as an atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heart rate, although there is no indication yet whether Saturday's issue is related.

Lockyer was initially feared to have suffered a head injury when he went down against Bournemouth.

After the abandonment of the game was confirmed, the two sets of players returned to the field to applaud the fans in attendance, who had shown their support for Lockyer throughout the ordeal.