Saturday 31 January 2015 20:30, UK
Huddersfield defender Tommy Smith is in a stable condition in hospital after suffering a nasty head injury towards the end of Saturday’s Championship match with Leeds.
Smith collided with Huddersfield goalkeeper Joe Murphy as the pair unsuccessfully tried to prevent Billy Sharp from scoring a late winner for the visitors.
The injury caused a 10-minute delay to the game and Smith was eventually airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary because the roads surrounding the stadium were gridlocked with matchday traffic.
And Huddersfield were thankfully able to issue a positive statement regarding their player’s condition on Saturday night.
The statement read: “Tommy became unconscious in the incident late in the game and was stretchered off after a lengthy period of treatment on the pitch.
“In the medical room his condition caused increased concern and, after the full-time whistle, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) was called. The YAA landed on the pitch at the John Smith's Stadium and Tommy was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.
“Tommy has subsequently undergone scans and tests and is now in a stable condition.
“We are pleased to report Tommy has been sitting up and talking to members of Huddersfield Town's staff who have visited him on Saturday evening.
“Tommy will stay overnight in Leeds General Infirmary for observation.”
And Huddersfield were quick to thank the emergency services for their handling of a very concerning situation.
“Huddersfield Town and Tommy's family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes throughout the course of Saturday evening,” the statement added.
“Everyone at the club would also like to record their thanks to all the medical team and safety staff on duty at the John Smith's Stadium, our charity partner the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and staff at Leeds General Infirmary for the care they have given Tommy.
“We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
