27 May 2023 , 16:06
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Luton captain Tom Lockyer was taken to hospital after picking up a worrying injury during the Championship play-off final - before his team won promotion to the Premier League.
Lockyer, who scored the winner in Luton's semi-final triumph against Sunderland, fell over while running backwards in the opening stages of Saturday's game against Coventry. A lengthy delay followed before he was stretchered off the pitch.
Lockyer, 28, was conscious as he passed through the tunnel at Wembley and received medical treatment at the stadium, with his parents rushing from the stands to see him. He'll undergo further tests but appeared to be okay as he celebrated with his family from hospital, cheering the Hatters on as they reached the Premier League after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Lockyer was taken to hospital after receiving treatment at Wembley. Sky Sports presenter David Prutton said: "Tom Lockyer, the Luton Town defender, collapsed on six minutes just on the edge of his 18-yard box. We've had word back that he is awake, he is conscious and on his way to hospital. One of the good guys for Luton Town this season."
Luton tweeted: "We are able to report that after collapsing on the pitch, Tom Lockyer has been taken to hospital for further tests. He is responsive and talking to his family, who are with him. We are all with you, Locks."
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Tom Lockyer was pictured celebrating promotion from hospital (Twitter - Steve Lockyer)Speaking shortly after the incident, Sky Sports reporter David Craig said: "Tom Lockyer was taken from pitch by the medical staff both from Wembley and Luton Town, he was conscious when he was passed through the tunnel.
"He's been taken to the medical room, we're not yet aware of the nature of his distress, but his parents who are both here today have both come down from the stand and are in there with him. As soon as we have further information we'll bring it to you."
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman added: "Football goes out of window when something like that happens. We're just grateful to hear the news he's conscious and on his way to the best place for him right now. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Lockyer for a full and speedy recovery."
Lockyer was stretchered off after receiving treatment (Getty Images)Lockyer was stretched off in the 12th minute, with Reece Burke replacing him. Despite losing their skipper early on, Luton went on to win the final on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Jordan Clark opened the scoring for Luton before Gustavo Hamer equalised.
Lockyer was recently named as Luton's Player of the Season, such is his importance to the team. As Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe said: "That is so sad. Lockyer epitomises what Luton are all about. For his final to end like this is devastating."
Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, former Luton star Leon Barnett said: "You don’t want to see Tom Lockyer going off. He’s been so good this season. When you see the Coventry medical staff helping, you know it’s serious. It’s never nice. Best wishes with him."
Lockyer started his career at Bristol Rovers before joining Charlton in June 2019. He signed for Luton a year later and was given the captaincy earlier this season. He's also won 14 caps for Wales and was part of their squad for Euro 2020 and last year's World Cup.
"Sending all our love and thoughts to Tom Lockyer and his family," tweeted Bristol Rovers, while the Ipswich added: "Sending our best wishes from everybody at ITFC."