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    Mo Salah’s former team-mate collapses on pitch after ‘heart stopped for more than an hour’ as match is suspended

    EGYPTIAN football star Ahmed Refaat is in hospital after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest on the pitch.The forward collapsed with two minutes remaining of Modern Future FC’s Egyptian Premier League clash with Ittihad on Monday night.Ahmed Refaat collapsed in Modern Future FC’s clash with Ittihad on Monday nightCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe forward’s heart stopped for an hourCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe match was immediately suspended after the severity of Refaat’s condition became clear and he was promptly taken to the hospital.Reefat’s heart stopped for an hour but he’s miraculously managed to survive the ordeal.And the 30-year-old – a former team-mate of Liverpool hitman Mohamed Salah- is currently being monitored in intensive care.A club statement read: “Ahmed Refaat’s heart stopped for more than an hour, despite all resuscitation attempts by the medical staff at Zamzam Hospital near the stadium before his heart rate improved gradually.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, his condition is still medically unstable, which prevents his transfer.”Unless his health condition stabilises, the player will continue to receive treatment and undergo the necessary tests.”The club are following the situation on a momentary basis from the hospital.”And everyone will be updated immediately.Most read in FootballAhmed Refaat is a former team-mate of Liverpool and Egypt international Mo SalahCredit: AFP”We would like to call on the media to respect the player’s personal life as well as his health and ask the Egyptian football fans to pray for Ahmed Refaat to be safe and sound as soon as possible.”Footage of Refaat’s collapse went viral on social media, prompting a slew of well wishes for the Egypt international.Raging Mo Salah in rare outburst as he butts head with World Cup rival as fans say ‘something crazy must have been said’One footie fan wrote on X: “Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”Another said: “Stay Strong Ahmed Refaat.”One remarked: ” Praying for a full recovery and Prayers to his loved ones, in what has to be a difficult time to start this blessed month.”Another chimed in: “Praying for the health and safety of Future FC winger Ahmed Refaat.”Reefat has seven appearances for Egypt to his name, in which he’s scored two goals and provided one solitary assist. More

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    Tom Lockyer reveals warning signs in two Premier League games before Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest on pitch

    TOM LOCKYER revealed he had warning signs of lightheadedness in two Premier League games before his cardiac arrest.The Luton skipper, 29, was “technically dead” for two minutes and 40 seconds only for medics to resuscitate him during the abandoned clash at Bournemouth on December 16.Tom Lockyer has revealed he had two warning signs of lightheadedness before his cardiac arrestCredit: ReutersBut Lockyer, who had an atrial fibrillation episode in last May’s Championship play-off final win over Coventry, says he had a heart device fitted in the weeks leading up to his latest collapse.Lockyer, who suffered the life-threatening condition of ventricular fibrillation, said: “There were a couple of games before when I went lightheaded. I thought, ‘This is a weird feeling’.”The physios said to get a loop recorder – a little device like a USB stick sitting under your chest – and it showed them constantly what the heart was doing. The physios couldn’t be sure either way what was going on.”We had been given the all-clear from the specialists so there was no reason for concern. But the physios said, ‘Let’s be double safe on this one.’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But nothing was showing up on the device even though I went lightheaded a few times.”When it happened at Bournemouth, as soon as I went lightheaded I thought, ‘I’ll be fine in a second’ because that’s what had happened before.”I walked up to the halfway line, the keeper kicked the ball, I started jogging up and I went incredibly lightheaded again. It’s the last thing I remember.”Lockyer hailed the heroes who saved him: Luton’s club doctor Dr Amos Ogunkoya, Hatters physios Chris Phillips and Simon Parsell, Dr Craig Roberts, local GP Dr Mufeed Ni’man, paramedic Phil Ballett and Cherries’ Philip Billing.Most read in FootballAnd he plans to thank every single one of them in person when the Prem match is replayed at the Vitality Stadium next Wednesday.Lockyer, who has watched the scary incident back, added: “Our physio has got a wide angle. I said straight away, ‘Let’s have a look and see what actually happened.’Tom Lockyer given hero’s welcome as he returns to Luton pitch for first time since cardiac arrest-“There’s a numbness to it all. It’s like a movie when a big bomb goes off and you wake up on the floor, disorientated.”The first responders were the Luton physio and doc. I gave our doc a little bit of stick because he got smoked by the physio. He says he’s the fastest at the club but the images say otherwise.”They said I was a bit respondent, groaning but then I flatlined and that’s when the doc flipped me over, the defib pads went on and it showed the heart rate. “Our doc recognised it was VF, the paramedics confirmed it and they shocked me.“I’ve been in contact with the Luton medics and sent messages out to everyone else.”When we go to the Bournemouth replay I’m hoping to go and see them in person and shake their hands to say thank you.“I feel sorry for everyone who had to witness that. The eeriness and quietness of the stadium and the question of, ‘Is he alive?’ I know there were players praying. It will be nice to go back and thank them.”Lockyer underwent surgery to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted in his side following his second collapse. But he might never play professional football again.The Wales centre-back added: “Hearts are not like pulling a hamstring where someone looks at a scan and goes, ‘You’ve pulled it’. With hearts it can be so minute. It’s such a complex and specialist case.”There’s a lot of top cardiologists having a look at the case and it’s still ongoing. It’s too early to say if I can get back to football. I will be led by the specialist’s advice but the dream is still to play.”If it happens again then it’s on the medics. If there is any sliver of doubt I don’t think they will allow me to play. If there is a chance to play again I would love to. It’s out of my hands.”Lockyer cannot even train at the moment but he has his hands full after becoming a dad with his partner Taylor to a baby girl.He told Gary Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football: “Not being able to train has been the hardest thing. “I got shocked back to life on the pitch and the medics have told me, ‘You can’t do anything until we get to the bottom of this’.”I feel fine and normal so it’s hard. I really want to go and exercise and keep fit but I’m not allowed. I’ve been playing golf and I went out on an electric bike. “I went round the corner to try it out and my old man (Steve) said the second I left the corner he s*** himself. I’ve had my device fitted so I’m probably safer than ever.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having a family is something I’ve never had to factor in before. I’ve always been selfish with football decisions. “But this little girl came along and has changed my world. It has given me a completely different perspective on everything.” More

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    I died for two minutes on pitch, says Tom Lockyer as he opens up for first time about terrifying cardiac arrest

    TOM LOCKYER revealed his heart stopped for two minutes and forty seconds after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch back in December.The Luton captain, 29, collapsed during the Hatters’ clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium – just seven months after he suffered a similar incident during the Championship play-off final.
    Tom Lockyer joined Sky Sports’ broadcast at Kenilworth Road and issued an update on his healthCredit: Sky Sports

    The Luton captain suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Luton’s clash with Bournemouth in DecemberCredit: Rex
    Lockyer was discharged from hospital after four daysCredit: FACEBOOK/UNPIXS
    He was discharged from hospital four days later and is now continuing his recovery.
    It is unclear whether he will resume his playing career, but he did return to Kenilworth Road last month and received a hero’s welcome from the fans ahead of their 4-0 win over Brighton.
    He also recently went to visit his team-mates at the training ground in a touching moment for everyone at the club.
    Then on Sunday he was a part of Sky Sports’ coverage for Luton’s clash with Manchester United where he was asked about his health.
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    He said: “I’m doing well, I really am. Obviously I’m incredibly lucky to be stood here and be in such good spirits but I am really well.”
    Lockyer, who also admitted it has been a “tough couple of months” then went on to describe the events that unfolded at Bournemouth in more detail.
    He added: “It was just a normal day and that’s probably the most worrying thing about it is I felt completely fine.
    “So I’ve been looking for answers, searching for answers, but as far as I was aware it was just another normal day at the office. It was all going well until what happened happened.”
    Most read in Football
    Lockyer says he remembers feeling “light-hearted” when running up towards the halfway line, before he then woke up with paramedics around him.
    He insists the incident felt different from the “dream” he woke up from after collapsing at Wembley, describing the instant feeling at Bournemouth as more of a “nothingness”.
    Tom Lockyer given hero’s welcome as he returns to Luton pitch for first time since cardiac arrest-
    He continued: “There was a little more panic around [than at Wembley]. I was a bit disorientated. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move, and I was just trying to take in what was happening.
    “While that was going on I remember thinking ‘I could be dying here’. It’s quite a surreal thought to have.”
    Lockyer’s condition eventually improved and he describes it as a “relief” that he was alive, adding it was “fortunate” that it happened on the pitch where medical attention was close by.
    He then went on to confirm that a recording device placed under his chest after the episode at Wembley revealed his heart stopped for “two minutes and forty seconds” at the Vitality Stadium.
    Lockyer also thanked the medical staff who “without a doubt” saved his life as he insisted he will be “forever grateful” to them for what they did.
    His girlfriend and father were both at the game, while his mum and brother learnt the news of his collapse on the radio.
    That is the part of it which Lockyer describes as the “hardest thing to deal with”.
    He has spoken to players who have had similar incidents – including Man Utd man Christian Eriksen who collapsed at the Euros but has since resumed his playing career.
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    However, Lockyer is adamant he will “take his time” before making a decision.
    He is also aware it is somewhat “out of my hands” as he will be dictated to by the advice from the medical staff.
    He recently returned to Luton’s training ground to reunite with his team-matesCredit: @LutonTown More

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    Luton to review medical protocol after Tom Lockyer collapsed following cardiac arrest vs Bournemouth

    LUTON TOWN will review their medical protocol after Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch at Bournemouth.Saturday’s Premier League match between Luton and the Cherries was stopped and abandoned in the 59th minute at 1-1 as medics tended to Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest off the ball.
    Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer collapsed at BournemouthCredit: Rex
    Luton will review their medical protocol after Lockyer suffered cardiac arrestCredit: Reuters
    The Hatters recently confirmed their captain remains in hospital where he is undergoing tests as well as scans and is in a stable condition.
    This was the second time in seven months that the centre-back collapses during a match.
    The same happened in May during the Championship play-off final against Coventry when the 29-year-old was taken to hospital before Rob Edwards’ stars earned Premier League promotion
    The Wales international was later diagnosed with an atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat.
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    Lockyer was then given the all-clear to return to football in June after undergoing an operation.
    According to The Mail, however, this time round Luton will review that decision once medical experts have further information on the cause behind the incident at the Vitality Stadium.
    A source close to the Luton player told the publication: “This will be something we all look into more now.
    “The physios, the club doctor, the specialists all did their work and worked with him in the summer and he was OK.
    Most read in Football
    “It’s just getting through this one test at a time. Comparing it to the summer will be something that happens when we know what went on on Saturday.”
    The Premier League rules state players must undergo annual cardiac testing, with any further cardiac investigations or follow-ups performed as advised by an expert’s opinion.
    The same report claims it is unclear if Lockyer underwent further testing since receiving heart surgery. More

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    Dad of ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino dies aged 62 after suffering heart attack on family trip to Dubai

    ROBERTO Firmino’s dad has died aged 62 after suffering a heart attack.The ex-Liverpool star’s father José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira was on a family trip in Dubai when he fell ill.
    Roberto Firmino (right) with his late fatherCredit: Instagram
    Firmino described his dad as his heroCredit: Instagram
    Firmino’s family is still trying to contact the Brazilian embassy in the UAE to bring his father’s body back to their home city of Maceió.
    One friend told local media: “He was a very good guy. He had a very good soul and was very funny. This was very unexpected.”
    In his autobiography, Al-Ahli star Firmino writes: “Not all heroes wear capes; some are called Dad.
    “My father, José, was my childhood hero, an inspiration and an example.
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    “A generous, serious, honest man dedicated to the family.”
    Firmino’s boyhood club CRB said: “The Clube de Regatas Brasil deeply regrets the death of José Roberto Cordeiro de Oliveira, father of Roberto Firmino, who left us this weekend.
    “He’s always been a big Galo de Campina fan and was very proud of his son being unveiled in football with the whirlpool shirt.
    “Rest in peace, José Roberto.”
    Most read in Football
    The family had shared snaps of their trip in Dubai before Oliveira’s death – including one of him enjoying a trip to an amusement park.
    Firmino left Liverpool last summer after spending eight years at Anfield.
    He joined the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015 and was part of the squad which one the Champions League in 2019 and the Prem in 2020. More

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    Diego Arrua dead: Boxing star Sabrina Perez’s trainer and husband dies at 58 after heart attack during world title fight

    BOXING coach Diego Arrua has died aged 58 after suffering a heart attack during his wife’s world title fight.Arrua was in the corner for wife Sabrina Perez’s interim WBC featherweight title bout with Australian Skye Nicolson on Friday night.
    Sabrina Perez is mourning the passing of her husband and trainer Diego ArruaCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
    Arrua had a heart attack during Perez’s interim WBC featherweight title fight with Skye NicolsonCredit: INSTAGRAM@TEAM_SABRINAPEREZ
    The late Arrua was only 58 years oldCredit: INSTAGRAM@TEAM_SABRINAPEREZ
    Arrua was cornering Perez in her interim featherweight title fight against Skye NicolsonCredit: INSTAGRAM@TEAM_SABRINAPEREZ
    He collapsed between the ninth and ten rounds of the fight at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez in Mexico.
    Sadly, he didn’t recover from the reportedly “devastating” heart attack.
    WBC president Maurico Sulaiman confirmed the passing of Arrua on Twitter.
    He said: “It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego [Arrua].
    “Who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Perez fight in Tijuana.
    “The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.”
    Matchroom Boxing – who promoted the fight – also offered their condolences to Perez over her husband’s passing.
    They tweeted: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”
    Most read in Boxing
    Arrua collapsed in the corner between the ninth and tenth roundsCredit: Instagram @team_sabrinaperez
    Perez suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Nicolson, with the judges scoring the contest 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 in favour of the Aussie.
    She wasn’t in the ring when the result was read out.
    Boxing fans around the world were quick to react to the tragic news, with one tweeting: “Prayers for the family.”
    Another said: “RIP THAT’S SO SAD.”
    And another said: “Rest in peace, Diego.”
    One remarked: “Damn sad to hear. RIP.”
    Another chimed in: “Awful news. RIP.”
    Perez went into her clash with Nicolson on the back of decision victories over Silvia Fernanda Zararias and Yollis Marrugo Franco.
    Defeat to Nicolson saw her lose her grip on the WBC’s interim 126lbs strap.
    Matchroom Boxing offered their condolences to Perez over her bereavementCredit: TWITTER More

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    I’ve fought Tommy Fury and he doesn’t have the heart of a fighter, don’t be surprised if he crumbles against KSI

    TOMMY FURY has been accused of lacking the “heart of a fighter” which could lead to his demise against KSI. Fury, 24, is set to face YouTube, music and crossover boxing star KSI, 30, on October 14 in Manchester.
    Tommy Fury beat Anthony Taylor in 2021 and didn’t leave him impressedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    KSI fights Fury next, on October 14Credit: Getty
    It comes after he beat KSI’s arch enemy Jake Paul by split-decision in Saudi Arabia in February.
    But despite that victory, Fury’s former opponent Anthony Taylor – who he beat in 2021 – has hit out at the former Love Islander.
    Taylor, 34, told Neue Online Casinos: “This is a really, really close 50-50 match-up. Don’t be surprised if KSI knocks Tommy out.
    “We know Tommy can box a bit, but I can tell you from first hand experience, Tommy is like the lion in the wizard of Oz without a heart.
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    “If KSI can make him uncomfortable, and stick with for those early rounds, and then land his power shots, don’t be surprised if Tommy crumbles and never gets back up.
    “He doesn’t have the heart of a fighter.”

    Paul snubbed a rematch with Fury to instead return over the weekend against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz.
    And Taylor – who formerly sparred the prankster-turned prizefighter – warned Diaz of his brutal power.
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    He said: “I hear Jake Paul is looking superhuman in this camp, he’s training with killers and there’s no question he’s going to send Nate Diaz into retirement.
    “Respect to Diaz, he’s had a great career, but he’s not going to know what’s hit him when Jake detonates on his chin.
    “I’ve tasted Jake’s power and his right hand hits like a baseball bat.
    “Given Diaz’s age and how much smaller he is compared to Jake, I don’t see how Diaz can stand up to that kind of firepower.”
    Jake Paul facing off with Nate Diaz before their upcoming fightCredit: @mostvaluablepromotions More

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    Ex-Premier League youngster forced to RETIRE aged just 22 after being diagnosed with heart condition

    A EX-PREMIER LEAGUE youngster has been forced into retirement at the age of just 22.Lars Dendoncker made the decision to hang up his boots after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
    Lars Dendoncker has retired aged just 22Credit: Getty
    He had been diagnosed with a heart conditionCredit: Willie Vass
    The former Brighton and Hove Albion prospect looked to have a promising future in the game having regularly featured for Belgium’s youth sides.
    But after learning about his condition, he has decided not to risk his health and made his announcement with a heartfelt statement.
    The defender took to Instagram to share his news with his 3k followers.
    He wrote: “Hi everyone. Where do I start.
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    “As a child, I only had one dream. Become a professional football player.
    “But my professional career and dream has come to a very early end. Because of my heart condition, I have decided to stop playing because of my own health.
    “This was and will be the hardest decision ever in my life. But there is no going back and I have to look in the future. This will take time to process.
    “I’ve learned a lot throughout the years and had to sacrifice a lot. So this really hurts.
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    “11 years at the academy of Club Bruges where I made a lot of friends.
    “2 beautiful years with Brighton and a loan move to St. Johnstone where I made my professional debut.
    “I want to thank all the players and staff that I have worked with. ❤️”
    Dendoncker had been released by Brighton in May 2022 and has been without a club ever since.
    He is the brother of Aston Villa and former Wolves star Leander Dendoncker.
    Dendoncker is the second Brighton player to prematurely retire from football recently after Enock Mwepu hung up his boots in October 2022 as he was diagnosed with a rare hereditary heart condition. More