Soccer:Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba will remain in intensive care for at least the next 24 hours after suffering a cardiac arrest during yesterday's FA Cup tie against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
The 23-year-old “remains anaesthetised” in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after falling to the ground at in front of millions of television viewers watching the quarter-final tie.
Today, club manager Owen Coyle thanked fans for their support, adding: “All our thoughts and prayers are for Fabrice and his family at this time.”
A joint statement from the hospital and Bolton Wanderers read: “Fabrice Muamba remains in a critical condition in intensive care in the Heart Attack Centre at the London Chest Hospital.
“He was admitted to the hospital yesterday evening after collapsing at White Hart Lane, where he sustained a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur.
“Fabrice received prolonged resuscitation at the ground and on route to the London Chest Hospital, where his heart eventually started working.
“As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anaesthetised in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours. His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital.”
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle added: “Fabrice’s family have asked me to pass on their thanks for the many, many kind messages of support from not only Bolton fans but also fans from clubs across the country and abroad.
“All our thoughts and prayers are for Fabrice and his family at this time. The family would also like to thank the media for respecting their privacy at this time.”
A packed White Hart Lane looked on, with a worldwide audience watching live coverage on ESPN, as the Trotters midfielder suddenly fell to the floor.
Confusion turned to horror as medics sprinted on to the pitch to begin resuscitating the young man.
Players looked shocked and watched in disbelief as the former England under-21 star was treated with a defibrillator for several minutes before being stretchered off wearing an oxygen mask and taken to hospital, accompanied by Coyle and Wanderers captain Kevin Davies.
World Cup referee Howard Webb abandoned the game.
As the message was relayed around the stadium with the score at 1-1, the fans applauded and chanted Muamba’s name.
Coyle emerged from the hospital, in Bethnal Green, east London, in the early hours of this morning.
He told reporters: “Fabrice is critically ill. The next 24 hours are going to be absolutely crucial.”
Members of his family and his fiancee also attended the hospital last night, it was reported. This morning fans arrived and left a series of tributes to Muamba outside.
Two children left drawings they had made for the midfielder and flowers were left on the doorstep.
A Spurs fans who had suffered a similar heart problem also delivered a bouquet of flowers.
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