Luton captain, Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital following his cardiac arrest which led the Hatters’ match at Bournemouth to be abandoned.
Lockyer collapsed during the second half of Luton’s Premier League fixture at Bournemouth with the score level at 1-1 at the time, with the game abandoned shortly afterwards and will be replayed at a later date.
The 29 year-old has since had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) device fitted and is now beginning a period of rehabilitation at hom following his discharge yesterday (20 December).
Lockyer and his family along with Luton proceeded to pay tribute to everyone at Bournemouth for their support, in the following statement.
“The Club, Tom and the Lockyer family would like to take this opportunity to repeat our collective heartfelt thanks to all at Bournemouth, their supporters, club officials and especially their medical staff and midfielder Philip Billing, who was the first to reach Tom on the pitch and summon assistance.
“Supported by the actions of Bournemouth’s medical team and local paramedics, it was ultimately the protocols instilled and professional actions of our own medical staff that gave Tom this chance to recover and to whom we are thankful.”
Lockyer, his family and Luton also issued their ‘thank’ to everyone who have sent supportive ‘messages of concern and love. The level of support has been overwhelming.’
Luton also clarified that medical tests confirmed that the issue which Lockyer experienced at Bournemouth was a separate issue to the atrial fibrillation which he suffered during their Championship Play-Off Final victory in May.
Lockyer and Luton have also followed clinical advice provided by ‘renowned cardiologists, who have been involved at every step, along with a team of supporting multi-disciplinary consultants.’
The club are now working with Sporting Chance to provide support and care for anyone affected by the distressing incident last weekend, which left fans, players and staff ‘surprised and shocked’ inside the Vitality Stadium.
Luton also spoke highly of Lockyer’s leadership and courage as they added: “We’re so proud to have Locks as our captain and his leadership will continue from the sidelines where his courage will inspire his team-mates, colleagues, and supporters, starting on Saturday.”
Speaking in his press conference prior to Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola spoke of relief at the positive news.
“I think we feel now more relieved, you know, that we have good news about Tom, we hope the good news continues and he recovers well.
“Obviously, there were tough moments last week. Everyone reacted very well, the supporters, obviously the medical staff were amazing!
“The players and everyone involved reacted really well and I think it was the logical decision also not to continue the game. Now we feel, like I said before, relieved as we hear the good news on Tom.”