Nottingham Forest is set to launch an internal investigation into its medical team`s actions following the severe injury sustained by Taiwo Awoniyi on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Nigerian striker remains hospitalized and in an induced coma after undergoing surgery on Monday to repair a ruptured intestine.
Awoniyi suffered serious abdominal injuries when he collided with a goalpost during his team`s 2-2 draw against Leicester City.
To stabilize his condition, surgeons made the decision to place Awoniyi in an induced coma, which helps limit his movement and regulate his heart rate.
However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly still furious that the injured striker was permitted to continue playing by the club`s medical and coaching staff.
Sources suggest the Greek owner has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding that controversial decision.
Marinakis was reportedly so upset by Awoniyi`s situation that he went onto the pitch at the end of the match to question manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
He is currently seeking answers before deciding if any further action is necessary.
In a strong statement issued by Forest on Monday, the club clearly indicated that it will not tolerate any situation where a player is put at risk.
The statement included: “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi`s injury is a stark reminder of the physical dangers in the sport and underscores why a player`s health and well-being must always be the absolute priority.”
“This principle is not simply club policy; it represents a deeply held conviction of our owner.”
The statement appeared to implicitly critique the club`s medical staff, concluding: “There was collective frustration among us that the medical team should not have allowed the player to continue.”
