Huddersfield Town defender Tommy Smith is now recovering at home after an airlift drama.
He was detained in Leeds General Infirmary for several hours for observation after suffering a head injury in the club’s derby defeat to Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
The player was flown to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which landed on the pitch at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Happily, he recovered after a night in the hospital and was allowed home this morning.
A club spokesman said: “Tommy Smith has been discharged and is now home. The club is looking forward to seeing him back in action once he gets the full all-clear”.
The 22-year-old defender was knocked unconscious in trying to prevent Billy Sharp scoring Leeds’ last-minute winner in a 2-1 Town defeat which left the club 17th in the Championship table.
He was treated for eight minutes on the pitch by medical staff and Town physiotherapist James Haycock before being carried off on a stretcher.
The club reported that in the medical room at the John Smith’s Stadium, the player’s condition caused increased concern as he lapsed in and out of consciousness so, with the roads busy as a crowd of 20,029 made their way home, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was called.
The Air Ambulance – a charity partner of the club, who have raised more than £1m over the past few years to help keep it flying – landed on the pitch before Smith was wheeled out from the corner of the main stand at the Fantastic Media end to be loaded on board.
Town manager Chris Powell said: “I can’t confirm exactly what happened. We’re trying to establish exactly how he took the knock – whether it was Billy Sharp or our goalkeeper. It definitely wasn’t the post. We’re not 100% sure as the replay is quite inconclusive.
“In the end it doesn’t matter now; we’re just worried about his welfare. I’m a bit in shock seeing it all. I made sure I saw him and his family. Hopefully everything will be ok.
When Smith got to LGI, he underwent scans and tests and was able to sit up and talk to members of Town’s staff who visited him on Saturday evening.
Smith’s family and the club thanked everyone who sent messages of support, including Leeds United who tweeted their best wishes.
The club thanked the medical team and safety staff on duty at the stadium, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance personnel and staff at LGI.
Here's the match in pictures
