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Following a harrowing incident that left Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi in an induced coma, Rushcliffe MP James Naish has formally called on the Football Association (FA) to urgently review offside officiating protocols. The Nigeria international suffered a severe abdominal injury during Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on May 11, sparking widespread concern over player safety.
Awoniyi, 27, sustained the injury in the 88th minute as he slid to meet a low cross from teammate Anthony Elanga, crashing violently into the goalpost in the process. Crucially, Elanga had been in an offside position in the build-up, but due to current officiating rules introduced in 2020, the assistant referee delayed raising the offside flag until the phase of play concluded.
The delay, designed to avoid incorrect stoppages, has now come under intense scrutiny. Naish, whose Rushcliffe constituency includes Forest’s City Ground, argued the existing protocol may have directly contributed to the severity of Awoniyi’s injury.
**MP Challenges FA on Officiating Policy**
In a letter addressed to the FA, Naish wrote: *“Several constituents have contacted me about this incident, noting that it could have been avoided altogether if play had been stopped earlier. The incident has sparked concern—not only locally but across the football community—about whether the delayed offside flag rule is endangering player safety.”*
He went on to question whether the FA would launch a formal investigation into the Awoniyi incident and if it is prepared to reassess or amend the current rules surrounding delayed flagging for offside.
**Forest and Football Community React**
The incident triggered an outpouring of concern and support for Awoniyi. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made an emotional appearance on the pitch following the final whistle—something the club described as a spontaneous display of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment.”
Thankfully, Awoniyi has since regained consciousness and is under medical supervision. In a statement released on May 18, the striker expressed gratitude, saying, *“I’m thankful to still be here.”* The nature of his injury required emergency surgery, and although he is now recovering, the event has reignited calls to prioritize player welfare over rigid adherence to match protocols.
**Final Game and European Ambitions**
Despite the shadow cast by Awoniyi’s injury, Nottingham Forest remains focused on a high-stakes end to their campaign. With European qualification already secured, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men will face Chelsea at the City Ground on Sunday, May 25, aiming to clinch the highest possible finish.
Depending on the outcome of that match and results elsewhere, Forest still has a chance to claim one of three available European competition spots. However, off the pitch, the club and its supporters are rallying behind their injured striker while awaiting the FA’s response to mounting safety concerns.
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