By David Gold
March 17 – Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba (pictured) is in a North London hospital tonight after collapsing during an FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Muamba collapsed just minutes before half time during the game, which was level at 1-1.
Players and referee Howard Webb immediately called for medical attention and attempts were made the resuscitate the 23-year-old on the pitch.
The game was subsequently abandoned with players visibly distraught, whilst supporters of both Bolton and Tottenham chanted Muamba’s name as the former Arsenal player was carried off the field (pictured below).
He was immediately taken to hospital, accompanied by manager Owen Coyle and Bolton captain Kevin Davies.
A Bolton spokesman said: “Fabrice Muamba has been taken to hospital following his collapse.
“There is no further information at this time.”
Born in Zaire – now the Democratic Republic of Congo – Muamba fled the war-torn country for Britain in 1999 at the age of 11, going on to represent England at all youth levels, having joined Arsenal in 2002.
Muamba went on loan to Birmingham City to gain experience before being permanently signed by the club, then moving to Bolton where he has developed as a powerful midfielder.
His condition is described as extremely serious, and the sad scenes at White Hart Lane on Saturday were reminiscent of other tragedies on the football field in recent years.
In 2003, Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed and died during a match against France in the Confederations Cup, whilst four years later in Spain, Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta suffered a heart attack during a game with Getafe, and subsequently passed away days later in hospital.
Messages of support for Muamba have flooded in, with footballers across the country expressing their feelings of sorrow and praying for the Bolton player’s recovery.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734830183labto1734830183ofdlr1734830183owedi1734830183sni@d1734830183log.d1734830183ivad1734830183