Muamba in ‘critical condition’

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Referee Howard Webb looks on as Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba is treated.

Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba was still in a “critical condition” in intensive care yesterday after suffering a cardiac arrest, a joint statement issued by the club and the London Chest Hospital said.

“As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anaesthetized in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours,” the statement added. “His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital.”

The 23-year-old player was rushed to hospital after harrowing scenes towards the end of the first half of an FA Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday, when the midfielder slumped to the turf with no player near him.

Yesterday’s statement confirmed Muamba had suffered a cardiac arrest but added his heart had “eventually” started working.

Bolton 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.”

The Premier League announced later yesterday that Bolton’s league match away to Aston Villa on Tuesday had been postponed at the request of the Lancashire club.