HuffPost UK Sport launched on Thursday 15 March this year, the day after Chelsea's exceptional Champions League comeback against Napoli. If that felt slightly hectic, the quandary how to manage our first weekend of sport, including the maiden 2012 Formula One Grand Prix in Australia, the final weekend of the Six Nations and FA Cup football was a baptism of fire. But the fire was stoked and the flames bellowed to such an overwhelming degree when on Saturday 17 March Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed at Tottenham.
Watching the game, the cameras had not picked up Muamba's fall and neither had any of the photographers inside the stadium. Tottenham had gone haring off towards the visitors' goal when suddenly the game, like broadcaster ESPN's cameraman, froze as all everyone could see was goalkeeper Ádám Bogdán clutching the ball.
It soon became apparent Muamba needed treatment. The assumption was he had twisted his knee or his ankle perhaps, which explained why he was lying prostrate on the turf. Rewind. Pause. Anything? No. Multiple viewings could not shed light on what had happened.
Then the gravity of the situation dawned. Doctors were giving Muamba cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more widely known as CPR. He had had a heart attack. Acting instinctively, pictures from various agencies were already dropping online, one of which caught a glimpse of Muamba's face, oblivious to the efforts being made to keep him alive.
Fabrice Muamba's 2012
Bolton Wanderers English midfielder Fabr(01 of83)
Bolton Wanderers English midfielder Fabrice Muamba (R) in action during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers English midfielder Fabr(02 of83)
Bolton Wanderers English midfielder Fabrice Muamba in action during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (2n(03 of83)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (2nd R) stands beside Tottenham and Bolton players as English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R)(04 of83)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R) stands beside Tottenham players, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (L) and William Gallas (2nd L) as Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muamba (not pictured) is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(05 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and William Gallas of Tottenham Hotspur (R) look distraught as Darren Pratley of Bolton Wanderers (C) covers his face as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Referee Howard Webb (R) looks on as Bolt(06 of83)
Referee Howard Webb (R) looks on as Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(07 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp (third right) looks on as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R)(08 of83)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R) looks on as English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(09 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Carlo Cudicini, William Gallas and Rafael Van der Vaart of Tottenham Hotspur are distraught as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. Muamba was taken off on a stretcher, still unconscious and the game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(10 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle (L) and Ryo Miyaichi are distraught as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(11 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Dedryck Boyata, Nigel Reo-Coker, Ryo Miyaichi and manager Owen Coyle of Bolton Wanderers look on distraught with other players as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(12 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle and players look on distraught as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(13 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle and players look on distraught as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(14 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle and players are distraught as teammate Fabrice Muamba receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(15 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers is taken off on a stretcher, still unconscious after receiving CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(16 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspur is distraught as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(17 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tuncay Sanli of Bolton Wanderers prays (R) as teammate Nigel Reo-Coker looks on after Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R)(18 of83)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R) stands beside Tottenham and Bolton players as English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R)(19 of83)
Bolton Wanderer's manager Owen Coyle (R) stands beside Tottenham and Bolton players as English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(20 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers is taken off on a stretcher, still unconscious after receiving CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(21 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle (C), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and William Gallas of Tottenham Hotspur (R) look concerned as Darren Pratley of Bolton Wanderers (L) covers his face as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(22 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Distraught fans look on and pray as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers receives CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muam(23 of83)
Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is stretched from the pitch while being treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muam(24 of83)
Bolton's English midfielder Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane in north London, England on March 17, 2012. The game was abandoned at half-time as Muamba was taken to hospital. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(25 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Dr Andrew Deaner (far right) walks off the pitch as Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers is taken off on a stretcher, still unconscious after receiving CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(26 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Distraught fans leave the stadium after Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers received CPR treatment on the pitch after suddenly collapsing during the FA Cup Sixth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2012 in London, England. The game was abandoned. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton club chairman Phil Gartside speak(27 of83)
Bolton club chairman Phil Gartside speaks to the media outside London Chest Hospital on March 18, 2012, where Bolton player Fabrice Muamba is being treated after collapsing on the pitch during a match the previous day with a suspected cardiac arrest. Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba was still in a 'critical condition' in intensive care Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest, a joint statement issued by the club and the London Chest Hospital said. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton manager Owen Coyle (L) and club c(28 of83)
Bolton manager Owen Coyle (L) and club chairman Phil Gartside (R) speak to the media outside London Chest Hospital on March 18, 2012, where Bolton player Fabrice Muamba is being treated after collapsing on the pitch during a match the previous day with a suspected cardiac arrest. Coyle said he hopes there will be a 'happy outcome' for Fabrice Muamba who remains in hospital. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF v Malaga CF - Liga BBVA(29 of83)
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid greets Agustin Herrerin wearing a shirt in support of Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers during the start of the la Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Malaga CF at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 18, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A football scarf with a message of suppo(30 of83)
A football scarf with a message of support is left at the stadium's Book of Remembrance at The Reebok Stadium in Bolton, north-west England on March 18, 2012 the morning after Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed during their FA cup football match against Tottenham Hotspur in London. Muamba remains in 'critical condition' according to the hospital. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Football shirts and flowers are seen lef(31 of83)
Football shirts and flowers are seen left outside the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, north-west England on March 18, 2012 the morning after Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed during their FA cup football match against Tottenham Hotspur in London. The 23-year-old Kinshasa-born player was rushed to hospital after harrowing scenes towards the end of the first half at White Hart Lane on Saturday, when the midfielder slumped to the turf with no player near him. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A man looks at football shirts and flowe(32 of83)
A man looks at football shirts and flowers left outside the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, north-west England on March 18, 2012 the morning after Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed during their FA cup football match against Tottenham Hotspur in London. The 23-year-old Kinshasa-born player was rushed to hospital after harrowing scenes towards the end of the first half at White Hart Lane on Saturday, when the midfielder slumped to the turf with no player near him. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Stoke City - FA Cup Sixth Round(33 of83)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Liverpool fans hold a sign in support of Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers during the FA Cup with Budweiser Sixth Round match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield on March 18, 2012 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chelsea v Leicester City - FA Cup Sixth Round(34 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: John Obi Mikel celebrates with goal scorer Gary Cahill who shows his support for Fabrice Muamba during the FA Cup sixth round match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on March 18, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle (R)(35 of83)
Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle (R) makes a statement to the press outside the London Chest Hospital on March 19, 2012 where Bolton player Fabrice Muamba is being treated after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match on March 17. Muamba was in a stable but critical condition on March 19, two days after he suddenly collapsed during a match, the hospital treating him said. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chelsea football club's English defender(36 of83)
Chelsea football club's English defender Ashley Cole (C) arrives with Queens Park Rangers' Shaun Wright-Phillips (L) and another man (R) at the London Chest Hospital on March 19, 2012 where Bolton player Fabrice Muamba is being treated after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match on March 17. Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was said by doctors to be 'showing small signs of improvement' on March 19 although he remained in an intensive care unit after his on-field cardiac arrest. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arsenal football club's Swiss player Joh(37 of83)
Arsenal football club's Swiss player Johan Djourou (R) arrives at the London Chest Hospital on March 19, 2012 where Bolton player Fabrice Muamba is being treated after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match on March 17. Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba was said by doctors to be 'showing small signs of improvement' on March 19 although he remained in an intensive care unit after his on-field cardiac arrest. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v Middlesbrough - npower Championship(38 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: West Ham players show their support for Fabrice Muamba of Bolton before the npower Championship match between West Ham United and Middlesbrough at Boleyn Ground on March 20, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Barcelona's players wear T-shirts in sup(39 of83)
Barcelona's players wear T-shirts in support of Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Granada CF on March 20, 2012 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/ JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers' English midfielder Dav(40 of83)
Blackburn Rovers' English midfielder David Dunn wears a T-shirt in support of Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba on March 20, 2012 before an English Premier League football match between against Sunderland at Ewood Park in Blackburn, northwest England. Muamba remains is in intensive care as he continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest following a collapse on March 17 during an FA Cup football match against Tottenham Hotspur. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FC Barcelona v Granada CF - La Liga(41 of83)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 20: FC Barcelona players (L-R) Seydou Keita, Alexis Sanchez, Adriano Correia, Thiago Alcantara, Isaac Cuenca wear a T-shirt in support of Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Camp Nou on March 20, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. FC Barcelona won 5-3. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
West Ham United v Middlesbrough - npower Championship(42 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: West Ham players show their support for Fabrice Muamba of Bolton before the npower Championship match between West Ham United and Middlesbrough at Boleyn Ground on March 20, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers' English midfielder Dav(43 of83)
Blackburn Rovers' English midfielder David Dunn wears a T-shirt in support of Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba on March 20, 2012 before an English Premier League football match between against Sunderland at Ewood Park in Blackburn, northwest England. Muamba remains is in intensive care as he continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest following a collapse on March 17 during an FA Cup football match against Tottenham Hotspur. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Togolese footballer(44 of83)
Tottenham Hotspur's Togolese footballer Emmanuel Adebayor arrives at the London Chest Hospital on March 20, 2012, to visit Fabrice Muamba who suffered a cardiac arrest on March 17 during a game against Tottenham. Bolton player Muamba spent a 'comfortable night' in intensive care as he continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest, doctors treating him said on March 20. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Peterborough United v Reading - npower Championship(45 of83)
PETERBOROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Lee Tomlin and Lee Frecklington wear Get Well Soon Fabrice Muamba shirts prior to the npower Championship match between Peterborough United and Reading at London Road Stadium on March 20, 2012 in Peterborough, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's French football play(46 of83)
Tottenham Hotspur's French football player Assou Ekotto arrives at the London Chest Hospital on March 20, 2012, to visit Fabrice Muamba who suffered a cardiac arrest on March 17 during a game against Tottenham. Bolton player Muamba spent a 'comfortable night' in intensive care as he continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest, doctors treating him said on March 20. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cardiac Team Who Treated Fabrice Muamba After His Collapse Hold Media Conference(47 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: (L-R) The four doctors who treated footballer Fabrice Muamba after his collapse, Tottenham Hotspur team doctor Shabaaz Mughal, Consultant Cardiologist Sam Mohiddin, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Andrew Deaner and Bolton Wanderers team doctor Dr Jonathan Tobin after a media interview at The London Chest Hospital on March 21, 2012 in London, England. Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday March 17, 2012. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cardiac Team Who Treated Fabrice Muamba After His Collapse Hold Media Conference(48 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Bolton Wanderers team doctor Dr Jonathan Tobin (L) and Tottenham Hotspur team doctor Dr Shabaaz Mughal, two of the doctors who treated footballer Fabrice Muamba on the pitch at White Hart Lane, talk to reporters during a media interview at The London Chest Hospital on March 21, 2012 in London, England. Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday March 17, 2012. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cardiac Team Who Treated Fabrice Muamba After His Collapse Hold Media Conference(49 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Consultant Cardiologist Dr Andrew Deaner, who helped treat footballer Fabrice Muamba on the pitch at White Hart Lane, talks to reporters during a media interview at The London Chest Hospital on March 21, 2012 in London, England. Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday March 17, 2012. (Photo by Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers - Premier League(50 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Bolton fans show their support for Fabrice Muamba during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers at Reebok Stadium on March 24, 2012 in Bolton, England. Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday March 17, 2012. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League(51 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Players and fans pay tribute to Fabrice Muamba prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villal at Emirates Stadium on March 24, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers - Premier League(52 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: A tribute to Fabrice Muamba is seen on the large screen during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers at Reebok Stadium on March 24, 2012 in Bolton, England. Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday March 17, 2012. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Sixth Round(53 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: The Tottenham team join the applause in support of Fabrice Muamba prior to kickoff during the FA Cup sixth round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on March 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers'applaud team-mate Fabri(54 of83)
Bolton Wanderers'applaud team-mate Fabrice Muamba before their FA Cup quarter final replay football match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in London, on March 27, 2012. The first match was abandoned due to Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba suffering a heart attack. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live†services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(55 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers waves to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(56 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(57 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers waves to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(58 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(59 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(60 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers is introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(61 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(62 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(63 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers waves to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(64 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(65 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers waves to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(66 of83)
BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab(67 of83)
Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab(68 of83)
Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Chelsea - FA Cup Final(69 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton congratulates John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba of Chelsea during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(70 of83)
Bolton Wanderers soccer player Fabrice Muamba poses for photographers after receiving an honorary degree from Bolton University, in a ceremony at Victoria Hall in Bolton, England, Friday July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
Fabrice Muamba honorary degree(71 of83)
Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba poses for photographs before receiving an Honorary Degree from Bolton University, in a ceremony at Victoria Hall in Bolton. (credit:PA)
Day 64 - The Olympic Torch Continues Its Journey Around The UK(72 of83)
LONDON UNITED, KINGDOM - JULY 21: In this handout image provided by LOCOG, Torchbearer 143 Fabrice Muamba lights the cauldron at the end of Day 64 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on July 21, 2012 in London, England. The Olympic Flame is now on Day 64 of a 70-day relay involving 8,000 torchbearers covering 8,000 miles. (Photo by LOCOG via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Pride Of Britain Awards - Arrivals(73 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Fabrice Muamba attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on October 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(74 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year gestures and acknowledges the supporters during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur FC v NK Maribor - UEFA Europa League(75 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Former Bolton Wanderers player, Fabrice Muamba makes an emotional return to White Hart Lane during the UEFA Europa League group J match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane on November 8, 2012 in London, England . (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(76 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year gestures and acknowledges the supporters during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur FC v NK Maribor - UEFA Europa League(77 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Former Bolton Wanderers player, Fabrice Muamba makes an emotional return to White Hart Lane during the UEFA Europa League group J match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane on November 8, 2012 in London, England . (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(78 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba wipes his eyes as he returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year, during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(79 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year gestures and acknowledges the supporters during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(80 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year gestures and acknowledges the supporters during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur FC v NK Maribor - UEFA Europa League(81 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Former Bolton Wanderers player, Fabrice Muamba makes an emotional return to White Hart Lane during the UEFA Europa League group J match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane on November 8, 2012 in London, England . (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur FC v NK Maribor - UEFA Europa League(82 of83)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Former Bolton Wanderers player, Fabrice Muamba makes an emotional return to White Hart Lane during the UEFA Europa League group J match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane on November 8, 2012 in London, England . (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-C3-TOTTENHAM-MARIBOR(83 of83)
Retired Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba returns to the spot where he suffered a cardiac arrest last year and acknowledges the supporters during half time, during a Europa League Group J football match between Tottenham Hotspur and NK Maribor at White Hart Lane in London, England, on November 8, 2012. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Supporters at White Hart Lane didn't know how to react. Some urged the paramedics on, others called for silence in fear that it may affect the medical staff's concentration. Surreal and sad, like the television camera people froze whether they were watching on at the ground, in the pub or in their lounge. That a footballer at the peak of his fitness and 20 days short of his 24th birthday could have a cardiac arrest was genuinely scary.
The Twittersphere's reaction and around the country was hysterical. Because it had happened live on television the tremors were profound as the hashtag #prayforMuamba started trending and wreaths and shirts with messages were laid outside Bolton's ground. The mourning sickness had become so contagious people reacted as if Muamba had died. The non-religious became religious and preached others to pray as the hypocritical reaction masked the nationwide hope the Congo-born midfielder would survive. Some call it 'Dianafication'.
Muamba's heart stopped beating independently for 78 minutes but less than a month after he was admitted he was discharged from the London Chest Hospital. He had survived.