Taiwo Awonyi Tuesday underwent surgery for the injury he suffered in Sunday’s Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
The nail-biting game ended in a 2-2 draw for the two clubs desperate for points. But it was Awoniyi’s injury when he crashed into the goalpost that dominated the discussions. Despite showing signs of discomfort, he was made to play on by coach Nuno Espirito Santo, because there was no more substitute to be made. Awoniniyi was rushed to the hospital on Monday for urgent medical care.
This was a major concern for Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis who confronted coach Espirito Santo after the game. He was worried for Awoniyi, but he was criticised by pundits for confronting coach Espirito Santo.
However, Forest put out a statement Tuesday. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first. At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.
“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.
“The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium.
“In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgment and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context.”
