Nurse’s irresponsible late lunge left Smith crumpled in a heap on the stroke of half time with the Hatters leading 2-1.
The challenge, right in front of the dugout, was met with an angry reaction by Town’s players and management alike.
The Luton midfielder was subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance, while Nurse was eventually sent off for the tackle after initially being shown just a yellow card.
An inconsolable Nurse also visited the Luton Town dressing room post-match to apologise for the challenge.
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He said: “I really didn’t mean to hurt the lad, I caught him very badly and it was a poor challenge.
“I’m very sorry and I apologise to Jonathan, the rest of the Luton Town players, John Still and the Luton Town supporters. I wish him a speedy recovery.”