Luton captain Tom Lockyer has been rushed to hospital after collapsing on the field during Saturday’s thrilling Championship playoff final victory over Coventry at Wembley.
The 28-year-old defender was attended to by both teams’ medical staff after falling to the turf with no player around him 12 minutes into the game. The Welsh centre-back was stretchered off and taken to hospital, with the club later confirming he was responsive and talking to his family.
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After the nailbiting penalty shootout win, Lockyer’s father shared an image of the footballer celebrating his team’s victory from the hospital bed, surrounded by family.
“Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok,” he wrote.
“Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his teammates. Here is the moment.”
Lockyear posted to Instagram later that day: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle!
“I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at (Luton) and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.
“A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
“Commiserations to (Coventry City) a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties.
“I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.
“I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team … premier league baby.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards fought back tears while talking about Lockyer on Sky Sports after the win.
“It feels incredible but the only thing I‘m thinking of right now is Tom Lockyer,” Edwards said.
“He’s been immense for us this season. Health and family is the most important thing and I don’t care right now until he is alright – I know he’s alright. A few of the guys have spoken to him in hospital. He’s getting really well looked after. That’s where my head is at the moment. It felt a little bit wrong to celebrate at the time. I just felt emotional.”
Luton are the first club to go from the fifth tier to the top flight in the Premier League era, securing a fourth promotion in 10 seasons by winning the shootout 6-5. The sides were tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Financial experts estimate promotion to world football’s most watched league to be worth around AU$322 million for a club that have been through turmoil since they last played in the top flight 31 years ago.
Luton midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has been on that whole journey and becomes the first player to go from the National League to Premier League with the same club.
“I feel like I completed football,” said Mpanzu.
“It’s been a journey. It’s going to be a party all summer.”
– with AFP