Boltons Fabrice Muamba Collapses On Pitch
Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has collapsed on the pitch during a game with Tottenham.
He has now been rushed to hospital. Reporters at the scene said the player had stopped breathing.
There was no action going on around him when he collapsed 41 minutes into match.
Players rushed to his aid and looked on in horror as medics worked to resuscitate him using CPR and a defibrilator.
The crowd fell silent as Bolton manager Owen Coyle ran on to the pitch to see what had happened.
The former England Under-21 star was taken off on a stretcher as fans held their heads in their hands, with some in tears.
The player was carried off the pitch on a stretcher
Referee Howard Webb called off the match, an FA Cup quarter-final, after the incident.
As a message was relayed around the stadium that the game was off, the fans applauded and chanted Muamba’s name before solemnly filing out of the stadium.
The player, born in Zaire, is just 23 years old. He came to Britain as a political refugee, and has also played for Arsenal and Birmingham City.
Commentating on ESPN, John Barnes said: “From the players’ reaction on both sides it seemed that things were pretty serious.”
Kevin Keegan added: “Jermain Defoe seemed absolutely distraught.
“The fans are in a state of shock. I’ve never seen anything like that on a football pitch before.
“Our hearts go out to his family.”
The scene recalled memories of Cameroon’s Marc Vivien-Foe who collapsed and died during a Confederations Cup match in 2003.
Bolton have stated on the club website that Muamba has been taken to hospital.
Meanwhile, footballers took to Twitter to pay tribute to Muamba.
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who played with Muamba at Bolton, wrote: “Hope Muamba is okay. Thoughts with him.”
Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand wrote: “Come on Fabrice Muamba, praying for you.”
Muamba’s Bolton team-mate, Stuart Holden, wrote: “Praying for you Fab. Hope he’s OK. Thoughts with him and his family.”
Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte, who came through the Arsenal youth team with Muamba, posted: “I seriously hope my best friend in football is OK. Stay strong bro please please stay strong. God is with you remember that.”
And Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone wrote: “Thoughts with Fab and his family. Feel sick watching this, puts football and everything else into perspective.”
The FA has also tweeted its thoughts and prayers for Muamba, calling him “a wonderful person”.
