Footballer Fabrice Muamba Collapses On Pitch

**efq** · 17-03-2012, 07:00 PM

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has collapsed on the pitch during a game with Tottenham. Muamba fell facedown on the field. 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 fibrilator.
The former England Under-21 star was taken off on a stretcher as fans held their heads in their hands, with some in tears.

Referee Howard Webb called off the match, an FA Cup quarter-final, after the incident.
Reporters at the scene said the player had stopped breathing and has been taken to hospital.

The player, born in Zaire, is just 23 years old. He came to Britain as a political refugee.
England players, including Rio Ferdinand, have taken to Twitter to express their hopes and prayers for the young player.

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."