(Credit: Imago, Getty Images)

Jonathan Burnett

Tue 13 May 2025 11:40, UK

Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday has resulted in plenty of fallout.

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side saw their hopes of a Champions League place take a further hit after Facundo Buonanotte’s late strike secured a point for Leicester in an East Midlands Derby marred by controversy.

Forest stay seventh in the Premier League table as a result, but the game’s aftermath has been dominated by Evangelos Marinakis’ decision to venture onto the City Ground pitch and front up to Nuno at full-time.

There were fears that Nuno could be sacked due to Marinakis’ frustration with Forest’s medical team, but the latest Awoniyi news provides new clarity.

Taiwo Awoniyi set for ’emergency’ surgery after Leicester incident

Brought on in the 83rd minute for Ibrahim Sangare after Leicester’s equaliser, Awoniyi hadn’t been on the pitch long before he stretched to get on the end of Anthony Elanga‘s cross and collided with the goal frame.

As Forest had already used their three substitution windows, Awoniyi was forced to play on after lengthy medical treatment, and it was the handling of these crucial decisions which drew Marinakis‘ ire at full-time.

The Daily Mail then reported late on Monday (12 May) that Awoniyi was sent for “emergency” abdominal surgery after his collision with the post, after Forest’s medical team learned the full extent of his injury.

The Nigerian therefore underwent an urgent procedure to address his abdominal injury as soon as possible.

Forest fans take aim at Premier League for ‘bonkers’ Awoniyi injury

The news that Forest will be without their second-choice striker is softened by Chris Wood’s return to form against Leicester, but many Reds supporters saw Awoniyi’s horror injury as completely avoidable.

Awoniyi was well offside when the initial ball was played forward to Elanga, and only the “bonkers” practice of allowing play to develop in the event of a VAR goal check prevented the linesman from raising his flag.

As a result, Forest fans’ frustration is rooted in the Premier League’s new VAR-affected standards rather than the actions of Marinakis or Awoniyi, and many wondered if the latter’s injury would lead to a change in the current rules.

Get well soon Taiwo Awoniyi #NFFC https://t.co/Jed7FtyxFa

— Jake whalin (@JakeWhalin30) May 12, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury. Wishing him a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Sending positive thoughts his way.

— MD.Somun (@Somun0) May 12, 2025

Hope he’s alright.

It’s been a matter of time before we got a serious injury because of the bonkers offside rules. He was miles offside.

Just flag!!!!!

— The Atmosphere Is Electric Podcast ⚽⚽ (@TAIEpodcast) May 12, 2025

PGMOL are gonna get sued by the club. Clear incompetence!

— Forestmad80 🔴⚪️ (@forestmad80) May 12, 2025

Hoping for a quick recovery for Taiwo Awoniyi, it’s another big blow for him and unfortunately it looks like it could be the last we see of him in a #NFFC shirt.

He deserves more respect than he gets, but he has had horrific luck on the injury front during his time here, and the…

— Dave Holmes (@DaveHo1mes) May 13, 2025

I really hope the club / someone brings up this Awoniyi incident to iFAB, if not already.

Really feel for Taiwo. Had no luck with injuries, and a stupid rule has killed hope of seeing him again this season.

Rule has gone on for too long.#NFFC

— Jamie Martin (@ImJamieMartin) May 13, 2025

Taiwo Awoniyi getting so seriously injured he needs hospital surgery, all for a play that wouldnt have counted anyway because the lino didnt flag for an obvious offside but let the play run. This ‘rule’ has always been a joke it was inevitable someone would get seriously injured.

— Elliott Abrahams (@ellstaa) May 13, 2025

To the Forest fans bagging out Taiwo Awoniyi, SHAME ON YOU! #NFFC #YouReds #COYR https://t.co/B6TCTNTnT4

— Becks (@B3ckrs) May 13, 2025