A member of the United Kingdom Parliament from Nottinghamshire has called on the Football Association to launch an urgent review of officiating protocols following the serious injury suffered by Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international sustained a life-threatening injury during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the City Ground on Sunday, May 11, when he sprinted to slide and convert a cross from Anthony Elanga, with his momentum carrying his midriff into a post at the Trent End.
The incident has sparked criticism of current officiating protocols, particularly as Elanga was in an offside position during the build-up, but the assistant referee did not raise the flag until the passage of play was complete, in accordance with a protocol introduced in 2020.
In a letter to the FA, the Nottinghamshire MP expressed concerns shared by constituents about player safety under current rules.
“Several constituents have contacted me about this incident, noting that it could have been avoided altogether if play had been stopped earlier,” Mr Naish wrote.
“The incident has resulted in concerns being vocalised, among my constituents but no doubt across the wider football community as well, about whether current officiating protocols – particularly around the delayed raising of the offside flag – adequately protect player safety.”
Mr Naish asked the FA if it would be formally reviewing the incident involving Awoniyi and whether it is considering amendments to the offside flagging protocol.
The 27-year-old striker required emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine following the collision and was subsequently placed in an induced coma for stabilisation. The injury was so concerning that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis came onto the pitch after the full-time whistle, which the club later explained was due to a reaction “of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own.”
Awoniyi has since woken from his induced coma and is being monitored by medical staff.
While it is almost certain that Awoniyi will miss the remainder of the season, Nottingham Forest has already guaranteed European football for next season. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will take on Chelsea in their final Premier League game at the City Ground on Sunday, May 25, with the possibility of finishing in any of the three European spots depending on their result and results elsewhere.
