British Soccer Star Suffers Heart Attack

An English soccer match was halted Saturday after a star soccer player suffered a heart attack during a quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur in London. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, 23, collapsed on the field at London's White Hart Lane during the match.

He was treated by medics before being transported to London Chest Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest four minutes prior to half time.

After consulting both teams Referee Howard Webb abandoned the FA Cup game, a prestigious match which was tied 1-1 at the time.

In a statement the Premier League Club said: "Fabrice received prolonged resuscitation at the ground and on route to The London Chest Hospital, where his heart eventually started working. As is normal medical practice, Fabrice remains anesthetized in intensive care and will be for at least 24 hours. His condition continues to be closely monitored by the cardiac specialists at the hospital."

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside thanked well wishers in a separate statement on Sunday, noting that the family had been overwhelmed by an outpouring of kindness.

"All BWFC fans who have contacted me personally or the club have been unbelievable. We aspire to be a family and all expressions of support are testimony to the reality of the family club we have at Bolton," he said. "I ask for everybody to keep Fabrice in their prayers and thoughts."

Muamba, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, began his professional soccer career in 2005 with the Arsenal Football Club. Following a loan he began playing with Birmingham City in 2007. He has played with the Wanders since 2008.

He is engaged to be married to Shauna Magunda, and the couple have one son.