THE BBC have been praised for Match of the Day’s coverage of Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on Saturday.
Luton’s match against Bournemouth was abandoned in the 65th minute as their skipper Lockyer received treatment on the pitch.
The Hatters later confirmed that the 29-year-old was responsive as medics stretchered him off.
He was then taken to hospital, where he remained in a stable condition.
The match had been level at 1-1 when the incident occurred.
Addressing what happened, Match of the Day opened the programme by quickly showing both goals from the match, while experienced host Gary Lineker explained what had happened.
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Lineker called it a “traumatic day in the Premier League”, before sending best wishes to Lockyer.
He added: “It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town.”
Many viewers were pleases with the tone that the programme struck in their sensitive handling of such a distressing event.
One wrote on social media: “Watching Match of the Day, handled the Lockyer situation very well.”
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While a second opined: “Beautifully done Match of the Day. Handled the Tom Lockyer situation with the utmost respect and decency. Quality broadcasting and decision-making like that at key moments is, and always should be, the BBC’s role. A careful balance of news and privacy in such a situation.”
A third commented: “Great job by @BBCSport and Match Of The Day, the way they covered the Tom Lockyer situation at the start of the show.”
And a fourth posted: “Hugely powerful start to Match Of The Day around the Tom Lockyer story. Really well handled – so sensitive.”
Another added: “Match Of The Day have handled the Tom Lockyer situation perfectly there. Shown what they needed to, relayed what they needed to. Doesn’t need anything more obtrusive than that.”
Luton boss Rob Edwards was also hailed for his quick thinking at the time of the incident.
While the football world came together to wish Lockyer well.
Lineker himself tweeted: “Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens.”
While John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer.”
David de Gea posted: “Tom Lockyer 🙏🏼”.
And Ashley Young added: “Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family 🙏🏾”.
Luton wrote in a statement: “We are able to provide a further, positive update on Tom Lockyer’s condition.
“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.”
Brentford and Luton are likely to replay the match in full at a later date.
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Premier League Rule L15 states that any match abandoned with the consent of the referee will be replayed, with the Board to confirm a date and kick-off time.
And according to the Mail, the top flight is expected to stick to this protocol.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
