Luton manager Rob Edwards hailed for quick-thinking in moments after Tom Lockyer’s terrifying collapse
ROB EDWARDS has been hailed for his quick-thinking reaction after Tom Lockyer’s terrifying collapse.
The Luton Town star collapsed after a heart attack in the 59th minute of the Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Medical staff ran on to treat the defender after he was checked on by the Cherries midfielder Philip Billing.
Manager Edwards was also quick to act as he instantly ran onto the pitch.
The Englishman could be seen waving away the players in order to give Lockyer space.
He could be seen saying “away, away” to players from both sides in order to allow the medics to do their work.
Edwards’ quick thinking was spotted and praised by fans on social media.
One fan posted: “Could not ask for a better bloke than Rob Edwards in charge of our football club, what a man.”
A second commented: “Big respect for Rob Edwards running on the pitch and telling the players to move away whilst the medics do their jobs.”
A third wrote: “Superbly handled by Rob Edwards and all the medical staff.”
A fourth said: “Rob Edwards deserves a lot of praise in the way he handled the situation with Tom Lockyer.
“Straight on to the pitch to get the Bournemouth & Luton Town players away surrounding the incident to allow the medics to do their job. Rob Edwards, top class.”
A fifth hailed: “Seeing the footage of Rob Edwards and I am so proud to have him as our manager. A brilliant, compassionate leader who we’re lucky to have.”
A sixth chimed in with: “Rob Edwards has handled and acted in this so well whilst dealing with his own emotions.”
Another added: “Rob Edwards, what an incredible manager & human.”
‘RESPONSIVE’
Lockyer has been taken to hospital and has been confirmed to be conscious and responsive by Luton Town.
The club also confirmed that the defender suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch in a statement.
It read: “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.
“He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.
“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 a result of the incident, referee Simon Hooper abandoned the match with the players in no state of mind to carry on.
Prior to the medical emergency, Luton were holding Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw.
Elijah Adebayo stunned fans when he broke the deadlock within the opening three minutes.
But Dominic Solanke netted the equaliser after half time.
It is currently unclear whether or not the fixture will be rescheduled and replayed.
Lockyer collapsed earlier in the year during the Hatter’s play-off final at Wembley.
