David de Gea sends message to Tom Lockyer after Luton Town defender collapses vs Bournemouth

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has sent a message to Tom Lockyer on social media after the Luton Town defender collapsed during his side’s match with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

The Hatters captain was taken off on a stretcher to a standing ovation from all stands at the Vitality Stadium after extensive treatment from paramedics and medical staff. Lockyer also collapsed in the Championship play-off final in May, and underwent a subsequent procedure before being declared fit to return to action.

Luton and Bournemouth players were taken off the pitch as Lockyer was treated amid a lengthy delay with the clock at 65 minutes before the match was abandoned. The defender is responsive and was taken to hospital.

A statement from Luton read: "We all hope and pray for our leader and captain Tom Lockyer, who is thankfully responsive and has been taken to hospital.

"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.

"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."

De Gea sent his thoughts and best