Awoniyi collided with the post in the closing stages of the match while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga, who had strayed offside in the buildup. As per current officiating protocols, the assistant referee delayed raising the flag until the play had concluded.
Despite finishing the match, Awoniyi later required urgent abdominal surgery and was placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery, sources told ESPN.
“Anthony was miles offside. The whole world could see it, and so could I from where I was,” Aina told the Daily Mail. “A simple decision and get on with the game. None of this would have happened to T if the flag had just gone up.”
The incident has raised concerns about the delayed offside rule, which aims to allow attacking moves to play out before a final decision is made, but can increase the risk of injury in certain situations.
Following the match, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the pitch and appeared to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The club later issued a statement saying Marinakis had been reacting emotionally to Awoniyi’s injury and was frustrated with medical staff for allowing the striker to continue playing.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo provided an encouraging update on Taiwo Awoniyi's condition after the striker underwent emergency surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has lodged a criminal complaint with South Korean authorities after reportedly being targeted in an alleged blackmail scheme involving a false pregnancy claim.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final and is "out for a few months" having undergone knee surgery.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has heaped praise on Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, boldly declaring the 17-year-old as the best player in the world following his standout Champions League campaign.
