Tom Lockyer tributes led by Gary Lineker after Luton captain collapsed during abandoned game at Bournemouth… with best wishes pouring in from across the football world

• Tom Lockyer collapsed during the 62nd minutes of the match but is ‘responsive’
• Gary Lineker, Ashley Young, and John terry were among those paying tributes
• Is there now huge pressure on Newcastle to finish in the top four? Listen to the debate on It’s All Kicking Off 

Tributes have poured in from around the world for Luton captain Tom Lockyer after he collapsed during the club’s abandoned match with Bournemouth. 

Lockyer, who collapsed during the play-off final last year, dropped to the floor in an off the ball incident in the 62nd minute of the game at the Vitality Stadium. 

Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately ran onto the pitch as concerned players surrounded Lockyer.

Paramedics stretchered him off after ten minutes of on-pitch treatment and half an hour after he went down, the game was called off. 

The Bournemouth staff doctor confirmed that Lockyer was ‘alert and responsive.’ 

Gary Lineker reacted with relief to that news, writing on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens.’

Tribues have poured in from across the football world for Luton captain Tom Lockyer after he collapsed during a match at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium 

Gary Lineker wrote: Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens’

He was treated by medical staff after collapsing in the second half and is reportedly ‘alert and responsive’ 

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Ashley Young offered his best wishes, writing: ‘Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family.’ 

John Terry wrote: ‘Praying for Tom Lockyer.’

Football journalist Caoimhe O’Neill gave a heartfelt tribute, posting: ‘Thoughts very much with Tom Lockyer and his family. Tom is one of the kindest and most passionate people I’ve met working in football. Gives his all on the pitch every single game and is always so generous with his time off it.’ 

Presenter and reporter Olivia Buzaglo wrote: ‘Today has put things into perspective. Football isn’t important. That’s the most horrific thing I, and probably everyone else in this stadium, has ever witnessed. All my thoughts and prayers go out to Tom Lockyer.’

Joey Barton offered up a post with praying hand emojis. 

After confirmation the match was abandoned, both sets of players showed fans their appreciation by walking around the Vitality Stadium pitch

Luton boss Rob Edwards was in tears and distraught following the distressing incident 

One Luton fan account penned: ‘Tom Lockyer, you have given us enough. You’ve put yourself through enough. If your health is at risk, we would rather you were healthy. No matter what happens going forward, you’re our skipper, on the field or off it.’ 

Lockyer’s two former clubs, Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers, also shared their prayers on X. 

A statement from Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive and has been taken to hospital, adding players and staff were in ‘no state of mind’ to continue the match.

‘We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital,’ the statement read.

‘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. 

Luton said players were in ‘no state of mind’ to continue the match after Lockyer’s collapse

‘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.

‘Our thoughts are with him and them all.’

Bournemouth tweeted: ‘We’re relieved to hear Tom is responsive. Our thoughts will continue to be with Tom and his family at this time. 

‘We’d like to thank all the medical staff for their quick action as well as everyone inside the stadium for their support and unity during a difficult moment.’

Luton’s statement was reiterated by a comment from the Premier League following the suspension of the match. 

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

Lockyer collapsed on the Wembley pitch during the Championship play-off final in May

Lockyer, seen being taken off the pitch at Wembley by stretcher, required heart surgery

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‘Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today’s match.’

Lockyer had heart surgery after the incident at Wembley and was given the all-clear to return to playing in June.

After the match with Bournemouth was officially abandoned, players from both Luton and the Cherries came back out on to the pitch to applaud the crowd, with Edwards close to tears on his lap around the ground.

The match was abandoned with the score at 1-1.

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