The Premier League has officially announced that the match between Luton Town and Bournemouth will be replayed in its entirety. This decision comes after the original game was abandoned due to a medical emergency involving Luton Town player Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the field.
The match at Kenilworth Road was halted in the 59th minute when Lockyer collapsed in the center circle, with the scores level at 1-1. Luton Town later confirmed that their club captain was stable but had undergone a cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital.
In a statement, the Premier League confirmed the decision to replay the fixture after consulting with all relevant parties. The rescheduled match will take place later in the season, with the specific date to be confirmed after further consultation.
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The statement reads: “Following the on-field medical emergency involving Luton Town player Tom Lockyer, the Premier League Board has decided last Saturday’s AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town FC fixture will be replayed in full.”
The decision to abandon the match in the 59th minute was made collectively by the match officials, players, and managers from both clubs, in addition to the Premier League. The league expressed gratitude to the medical staff and all involved for their prompt response to the distressing situation. The statement concluded by wishing Tom Lockyer a continued recovery, with thoughts extended to him, his family, and everyone associated with Luton Town FC.
The Premier League’s choice to replay the game aligns with Law 7.5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game rulebook for the 2023/24 season, which stipulates that “an abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules or organizers determine otherwise.”