The Premier League Board has decided that the suspended match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town on December 16 will be replayed in its entirety later in the season. The game was called off due to an on-field medical emergency involving Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer, who collapsed near the center circle during the second half at the Vitality Stadium.
“The decision to abandon the match in the 59th minute was made collectively between the match officials, players, managers from both clubs and the Premier League,” the Premier League said in their statement.
The match was suspended in the 65th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. Both teams were sent to the locker room before Lockyer was stretchered off, surrounded by the medical team, and taken to the hospital right away.
The Welsh player collapsed in the Championship play-off final against Coventry at Wembley Stadium before being taken to hospital. It was later revealed that the 29-year-old had a cardiac arrest on the pitch. However, Luton Town later confirmed Lockyer’s condition as stable.
Later that evening, Luton said in a statement that Lockyer became responsive after being stretchered off and had been transferred to a hospital where he was “stable” and undergoing additional tests.
They also issued a separate statement in which they thanked the Bournemouth medical team for their “absolutely amazing” response following Lockyer’s collapse. The Premier League, too, praised the speed with which both clubs’ medical teams worked.
“The League would like to thank the medical staff and all those involved for their swift actions in responding to what was an extremely upsetting situation for everyone. We wish Tom a continued recovery and our thoughts are with him, his family and all those at Luton Town FC.”
