Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery on a ruptured intestine sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The Nigeria international, 27, suffered the severe injury in the 88th minute after crashing into the post while chasing a cross from Anthony Elanga.
Though Elanga was offside, the assistant referee delayed raising the flag, per VAR protocols, until after the phase of play ended, a move now under fresh scrutiny.
Awoniyi underwent the first phase of surgery on Monday night and remains hospitalised, with further procedures scheduled for Wednesday.
Forest confirmed he is “recovering well” but the incident has sparked concern over player safety and the delayed-offside rule.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly confronted manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the game to express frustration over how the injury was managed.
Forest later issued a statement calling the situation “a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game” and urging that player welfare remain the top priority.
