Lockyer’s horror on the pitch
recurrence of heart issues must now place a huge doubt over the career of the 29-year-old.
A statement from Luton Town said: “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.
“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.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”
As at Wembley, Lockyer collapsed away from the ball before medical staff rushed onto the field.
Luton players and manager Rob Edwards looked tearful on the touchline and some knelt and prayed while Lockyer received treatment.
The players went into the dressing rooms as Lockyer – who had an oxygen mask fitted – continued to be treated.
Half an hour later the game was abandoned before Luton confirmed their captain was “responsive”.
Both sets of fans chanted Lockyer’s name when he was eventually carried from an empty field, and his team-mates later returned to applaud their supporters.
The incident comes just six months after Lockyer underwent heart surgery following his Wembley collapse.
At the time, the Cardiffborn player said he had been given assurances from doctors that he was safe to resume his career.
He returned to the Luton team in August when he said: “I’ve had the operation to fix it and it shouldn’t happen again.
“There’s not really any reason to say why that happened. I’ve been given the all-clear – it is what it is and I just want to draw a line under it and move on.”