"Ex-Luton Captain Tom Lockyer Escapes Red Card Despite Controversial Elbow on Oldham Player"

TOM LOCKYER was lucky to escape a red card after appearing to elbow a rival player last night.

The former star, 31, resumed his career at earlier this season following a lengthy lay-off.

Tom Lockyer tangled with Oldham’s Kane DrummondCredit: Sky Sports Lockyer, 31, appeared to throw his elbow out at DrummondCredit: Sky Sports Drummond was sent flying by the impactCredit: Sky Sports

suffered an atrial fibrillation while playing in the Hatters’ play-off final triumph over Coventry in May 2023, before against later that year saw his heart stop beating for around two minutes.

After having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator fitted, Lockyer was eventually cleared to resume his career.

Following a series of ankle issues, however, he left Kenilworth Road to re-sign for Bristol Rovers earlier this season, for whom he has so far made 15 appearances this season.

Last night he was back in the starting line-up following a five-game absence as Steve Evans’ men travelled to Oldham.

He was lucky not to see red, however, following an unsavoury incident.

Following a long punt down the park from the goalkeeper, Lockyer viciously appeared to swing his elbow into Kane Drummond’s face.

The Latics ace, who had opened the scoring in the first minute, was sent flying – with the incident sparking uproar in the stands.

Incredibly, referee Scott Oldham only booked Lockyer, before astonishingly flashing his yellow at a perplexed looking Drummond too.

Both players were booked by referee Scott Oldham following the incidentCredit: Sky Sports

Lockyer was substituted on 66 minutes with his struggling side trailing 2-0, after Mike Fondrop had added a second on the hour mark.

Fans on social media were not impressed by Lockyer’s challenge.

One wrote on X: “Bristol Rovers defender Tom Lockyer made this DISGUSTING off the ball challenge last night…”

While a second asked: “How’s that not a red?”

Although another joked: “Old fashioned defending.”

Bristol Rovers’s defeat saw them remain in the thick of a relegation scrap in .

The Gas are 22nd and just two points above the drop zone.

On Saturday they return to action as they host at the Memorial Stadium.

Lockyer returned to action with Bristol Rovers earlier this season following a 679-day lay-offCredit: Shutterstock Editorial