Luton Town had one of the best days in their club’s history on Saturday when they won their EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium and booked their place in next season’s Premier League. But the huge celebrations came only after they all went through hours of dread upon seeing their captain Tom Lockyer drop to the ground requiring urgent medical attention.Really concerning stuff for Tom Lockyer here. Looks like he just collapses. Tries to get up but can’t. Hope he’s ok. #COVLUT pic.twitter.com/H98BoiIZNJ— TB (@SplendidTweeter) May 27, 2023 The defender fell to the floor while running back during the match, and he couldn’t get back up. He received treatment before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.🗣️ “I don’t care right now until he’s alright.”Luton Town boss Rob Edwards says he felt wrong to celebrate after what happened to Tom Lockyer during the match 😓 pic.twitter.com/Q2iBBY2bXH— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 27, 2023 Thankfully, he was concious when he was carried off the pitch. He was transported to a nearby hospital for tests, but he couldn’t and wouldn’t do anything while his teammates were still involved in the Wembley battle. He used Instagram to address the fans and let them know he’s alright – and that everyone can celebrate without a worry.”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 a fantastic opponent over three 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.”🏴🗣️ Tom Lockyer on playing for Wales.”Every decision I’ve made in my football career has been with the intention of playing for Wales. My nan was the most patriotic person you could ever meet.”She always said to me, ‘You’re not English and you’re not British. You are Welsh.'” pic.twitter.com/APVPBDCRfm— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) May 26, 2023 The 28-year-old Welshman saw his team’s penalty shoot-out victory from the hospital bed. He was fortunate to be well enough to see his teammates beat Coventry City to the promised land. Lockyer played a huge part in his team’s fairy-tale season, scoring the winning goal for Luton in their semi-final victory over Sunderland, earning the Wembley appearance. He was also voted the club’s player of the season.##NAJAVA_MECA_7283822##Tom’s father, Steve, tweeted the photo that went viral and instantly became iconic for all Luton supporters: their captain celebrating the shoot-out win in the hospital bed with his family and friends around him. It’s fantastic what football can do.A tribute from Luton Town for their teammate Tom Lockyer 🧡 pic.twitter.com/q3XsAvSF6a— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 27, 2023 Luton’s manager Rob Edwards was understandably very emotional after the game, and he broke down completely when he saw the photo of Lockyer celebrating the win in the hospital. That was enough to overwhelm everyone with emotions.
