Fabrice Muamba taken to hospital after collapsing during FA Cup match

Footballer Fabrice Muamba is fighting for his life after collapsing on the pitch during the FA Cup quarter-final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton. The Bolton Wanderers midfielder collapsed near the halfway line 41 minutes into the match, which was then abandoned by referee Howard Webb. Paramedics rushed across the pitch and spent six minutes trying to resuscitate the former England Under-21 international before he was stretchered off. Reports suggest that the 23-year-old footballer was not breathing when he was carried through the tunnel before being taken to hospital. No other player was near Muamba when he collapsed shortly before half time. Referee Howard Webb called the visibly shaken players off the field after consulting with managers Owen Coyle and Harry Redknapp. Shortly afterwards the game was stopped. Muamba started his footballing career as part of Arsenal's youth team before signing for Birmingham City. He joined Bolton in 2008 on a four-year contract.