Muamba fights for life after collapse

Soccer:Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba was fighting for his life in the intensive care unit at London Chest Hospital tonight after collapsing during his side's FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old was said to be critically ill after falling to the ground in front of 30,000 supporters at the ground and millions of television viewers watching the tie.

Tonight, a Bolton spokesman said: “Bolton Wanderers can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has been admitted to the heart attack centre at London Chest Hospital where he is currently in a critically ill condition in intensive care.

“No further information will be issued at this stage. The club has requested the media to respect his family’s privacy at this time.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: “The thoughts of the Premier League, its clubs and players are with Fabrice Muamba, his family and Bolton Wanderers.

“We would like to praise the players, match officials, coaching staff and medical teams of both clubs at White Hart Lane for their swift actions in attending Fabrice.

“The League would also like to commend the compassion shown by the fans of Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.

“We hope to hear positive news about Fabrice who is and has been a wonderful ambassador for the English game and the League at Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers.”

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.

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.

The scene recalled memories of Cameroon’s Marc Vivien-Foe who collapsed and died during a Confederations Cup match in 2003.

Before the match Muamba took to Twitter today to express his excitement over the tie.

Using the username fmuamba, he tweeted: “Just reach white hart lane. #COYW lets have it now.”

Tonight, other Premier League footballers posted messages on the social networking website.

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.”

England striker Wayne Rooney wrote: “Hope fabrice muamba is ok. Praying for him and his family. Still in shock.”

Muamba’s team-mate Stuart Holden, added: “For all those asking, I know as much as you do. Waiting anxiously for updates from teammates. Fab is a fighter! #prayforMuamba.”

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.”

Tottenham forward Rafael Van Der Vaart, who was on the pitch when Muamba collapsed, wrote: “Terrible what happened with Muamba during the game. We’re all praying for him.”

The English Football Association (FA) also released a short statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Fabrice Muamba and his family right now. A wonderful person.”

Former football manager and pundit David Pleat relived the horrific moment when the player collapsed, saying Muamba’s arms were seen to “jerk” which he described as “terribly traumatic” and “eerie”.

He described Muamba, who played for England all the way through under 16s to under 21s, as a good athlete.

He said players were tested rigorously for heart and other problems frequently.

“These things can be genetic and you never know,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The only thing that makes us sit up and think tonight is there are many things more important than football and what’s happened tonight is far more important than football.”