Image source, Getty Images
Luton’s match against Bournemouth was abandoned after Tom Lockyer collapsed during the second half
It is important to continue improving heart screening in sport in the wake of Tom Lockyer’s on-field cardiac arrest, says James Taylor, whose cricket career was ended by a heart condition.
Luton captain Lockyer was hospitalized after collapsing unconscious during Saturday’s Premier League match with Bournemouth.
“Inspections does a great job, but we can always do better,” he said.
Speaking to 5 Live Breakfast, the former England player added: “It’s a really sad case and fortunately Tom has had a lot of attention where he is now.
“It is clear that screening protocols in any sport always need to be worked on and improved.”
Lockyer collapsed during the second half at Vitality Stadium and both players were taken off the field while receiving treatment.
The game was eventually abandoned.
Lawton said in a statement on Sunday that Lockyer remains in hospital undergoing “tests and scans” and is “awaiting results before determining the next steps for recovery.”
He subsequently underwent heart surgery and was given permission to return to playing in June, with Lockyer saying at the time that his heart had been “checked and double-checked”, and that all scans and tests “came back positive”. .
Professor Anil Malhotra, a cardiologist who works with several Premier League teams, says the 29-year-old will undergo stringent tests before being allowed to play again.
He told 5 Live Breakfast: “Our understanding of conditions that affect the heart has evolved and an athlete-centred approach has been adopted, where one can minimize potential damage while supporting the player to pursue their aspirations.”
“He will have been appropriately risk assessed before returning to play and would have been under close monitoring as a result.”