Tom Lockyer's Elbow Sparks Fury: From Wembley Warrior to Ban Territory?
Former Luton captain Tom Lockyer faces a potential lengthy ban after an off-ball elbow clash with Oldham's Kane Drummond during Tranmere's League Two defeat. Both players were yellow-carded on the night, but social media outrage and Lockyer's Instagram defence have put the incident under FA scrutiny. Echoing recent cases like Coventry's Brandon Thomas-Asante, authorities may review footage for further action.
Alright, lads, grab a pint because we've got a proper football saga brewing down in League Two that's got everyone from Oldham to Luton chatting. Tom Lockyer, the bloke who went from Luton Town's heroic skipper – remember that heart-stopping collapse at Wembley? – to a Tranmere Rovers defender, is staring down the barrel of a potential lengthy ban. And all because of a dodgy elbow in a midweek scrap at Boundary Park.
Picture this: Tuesday night, Oldham Athletic leading Tranmere 1-0 in the first half. Their goal machine Kane Drummond is legging it past Lockyer after the ball's pinged long by keeper Mathew Hudson. Next thing you know, Lockyer's arm flies out, catches Drummond square – or so it looks from the grainy footage doing the rounds. Ref Scott Oldham (no family ties to the hosts, thankfully) dishes out yellows to both like he's handing out parking tickets. Fair play, you might think. But oh no, social media doesn't do 'fair play'.
The clip hits Twitter – sorry, X – and it's pandemonium. Oldham fans are fuming, calling it everything from a 'cowardly elbow' to 'premier league dirty'. Lockyer, never one to shy away from a row, fires back on Instagram Stories the next day. 'Thanks for all the abusive messages, Oldham fans,' he starts, with that classic passive-aggressive vibe. 'I've never elbowed anyone intentionally in my career. The ref was staring right at it, booked your lad for holding his head when I didn't touch it. I put my arm across his chest. If there was HD footage, we'd not be here.' Bold claims, Tom. Drummond took the yellow without a peep, apparently knowing the score.
Now, rewind to Lockyer's glory days. This is the same fella who captained Luton to the Championship play-off final in 2023, only to hit the deck with a cardiac arrest mid-match. Luton win on pens against Coventry without him, the footy world rallies round with defibrillators at the ready. He's back playing, first at Luton in the Prem, now dropping down to Tranmere. Tough nut, no doubt. But that reputation as a 'never a shrinking violet' – code for proper scrapper – might be biting him now.
The FA aren't daft about off-ball nonsense. They'll pore over the tape, the ref's notes, and Lockyer's statement. If they reckon it's as bad as it looks from afar, expect a charge and a hearing. Remember Coventry's Brandon Thomas-Asante? Nicked a three-match ban retrospectively for elbowing Norwich's Pelle Mattsson – missed by the officials on the night. He's back for their trip to West Brom on Saturday. Lockyer could be twiddling thumbs if the panel agrees.
It's a right pickle, innit? Lockyer's defending his honour like a lion, but in footy's court of public opinion, blurry vid is king. Tranmere fans will be hoping it's just handbags, not a red card retro. Oldham lot reckon justice is coming. As reported by Chris Nee at FourFourTwo, this one's got legs – or should I say elbows.
Meanwhile, down in League Two, these clashes keep the leagues spicy. Lockyer's been solid for Rovers since joining, but one daft moment and you're the villain. Lesson here? Keep your arms tucked in, lads, especially if you've got a Wembley-sized spotlight on you. We'll keep you posted if the banhammer drops – or if it's all just pub banter fodder.
Word on the street is Lockyer's itching to clear his name properly. Good on him. Footy's too mad not to give second chances, especially to a fighter like him. But if you're Drummond, nursing that ego bruise, hope the authorities see sense your way. Either way, it's got us all glued – pass the crisps.