Fans are demanding an immediate change to the Premier League’s rules after Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was hurt during his team’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday. Following his collision with the post in the 88th minute, the 27-year-old Nigerian international ruptured his intestine and had to be put in an induced coma for emergency surgery.
Awoniyi is still in the hospital after undergoing surgery on Monday night, and more treatments are planned for Wednesday. Forest confirmed that he is “recovering well” following the initial operation in a statement issued on Tuesday (read the entire statement below). Many, however, think that a contentious rule played a major role in the occurrence.
The assistant referee did not raise the flag until after Awoniyi’s collision, which occurred as a result of the forward’s frantic attempt to connect with the cross, even though Anthony Elanga was offside when he received the ball.
Calls For Rule Change Grow Louder After Serious Awoniyi Injury
The offside rule has long been a lightning rod for criticism
Assistant referees are told to wait to raise the offside flag until the play has ended when there is a clear chance for a goal. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) can then review the decision if a goal is scored. This rule, which was implemented prior to the 2020–21 Premier League season, has since come under fire for both the possible risk to player safety and the amount of time it can waste.
Although the method enables VAR to render more accurate decisions, it now seems to have a high price tag. One X user expressed their annoyance at the latest occurrence, which sparked calls for the rule to be changed back to its original version right now (see the complete post and incident below):
Because of this injury, Awoniyi had to be put in a medical coma. If officials were permitted to flag clear offsides early and stop play, all of this could have been prevented. PGMOL didn’t pay attention, even though we all knew that a serious injury was inevitable.
“How many more severe injuries must occur before this foolish rule is changed? Must someone die? “Hopefully the rule changes,” said a third user, while another questioned. It was inevitable that something similar would occur sooner rather than later.
A fourth, meanwhile, added: “That dumb rule has put a player in critical care. Ben Godfrey breaking his leg was unfortunate enough, but now a player is in a potentially fatal circumstance.”
Thankfully, there are no signs that the 27-year-old’s illness poses a serious risk to his life. It is thought that the induced coma was used to control his movement and regulate his heart rate. But the strong response from the larger football community shows how unpopular the current offside rule has grown and raises grave worries that things could not turn out as well in the future.
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