Bolton: Muamba’s Condition Critical

Bolton Wanderers have issued a statement on the condition of midfielder, Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch during an English FA Cup quarter final match on Saturday.

Bolton said the player ”is in a critical condition in intensive care”.

“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.”

Muamba was standing by himself when he fell to the ground 41 minutes into the game against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Sports channel ESPN reports that he was not breathing as he was taken down the tunnel.

Muamba’s Bolton teammate Stuart Holden tweeted: “Praying for you Fab. Hope he’s OK. Thoughts with him and his family.”

Commenting on ESPN, former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes said: “From the players’ reaction on both sides it seemed that things were pretty serious.”

Former England coach Kevin Keegan, also commenting on the match, added: “Tottenham striker, 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.”

English football stars were quick to express their concern, with Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeting: “Come on Fabrice Muamba, praying for you.”

Bolton manager Owen Coyle and club captain Kevin Davies are reported to have gone to the hospital to join Muamba.

A Bolton spokesman said: “Fabrice Muamba has been taken to hospital following his collapse. There is no further information at this time.”

Muamba was born in what was then called Zaire on 6 April, 1988. His father left the country because of political turmoil and settled in England, and went on to join Arsenal’s youth academy in 2002.

Since joining Bolton from Birmingham city in 2008, Muamba has made 148 appearances for the Trotters.

He previously played for Arsenal and Birmingham City. At international level, he has represented England at under-21 level.