London: Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba is "critically ill" after collapsing to the ground in an English football FA Cup quarterfinal tie against Tottenham Hotspur."Bolton Wanderers can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has been admitted to the Heart Attack Center at the London Chest Hospital where he is currently in a critically ill condition in intensive care," said a statement from Bolton club.

"No further information will be issued at this stage. The club and hospital request that the media and public respect the family's privacy at this time."

The 23-year-old, a former England under-21 player, collapsed to the ground clutching his chest with no other players around him in the match Saturday.

Several medical staff members tried to revive him by using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and a defibrillator.

When the medics arrived Muamba's face was on the turf and he was (electronically) charged on at least two occasions, Xinhua reported.

After talking with both sides' managers, the referee called the players off the ground. The match lasted only 41 minutes and was abandoned with a 1-1 score.

IANS