Former Bristol Rovers player and Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer appeared to collapse during the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The deeply concerning scenes saw Lockyer fall to the ground off the ball just 10 minutes into the game, seemingly trying to get himself into position, and was unable to get up.
The exact nature of what has happened is unknown at this stage, but the 28-year-old required medical attention from the staff of both clubs before being taken from the field on a stretcher. Lockyer was seen taking oxygen as he was carried off down the tunnel and appeared to be conscious as he left the field.
Sky Sports reported that his parents also came down from the stands to be with him as he underwent further medical observations, before heading off to hospital. 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.
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"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."
In a statement, Luton Town said: "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."
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."
The 28-year-old centre back started his career at Bristol Rovers and made 255 appearances in a seven-year stint. Lockyer was a key player in Bristol Rover's return to the Football League in 2014/15 season and became a regular name in their line-ups. The Welsh international left the Gas for Charlton in 2019.
The defender was substituted by former West Ham United academy product Reece Burke for the game at Wembley, which is widely touted as the richest game in football, due to the prize of Premier League football being at stake.
Just moments after Lockyer was withdrawn, Luton took the lead thanks to a Jordan Clark strike. Hamer equalised for Coventry in the second half.
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