Football law experts prepare to review controversial offside rule after Taiwo Awoniyi suffers serious post collision injury in Nottingham Forest match at Leicester City

Watching a football match, no one expects to see a player seriously injured in a way that changes how the game is managed.

But that’s exactly what happened to Taiwo Awoniyi during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

The striker collided with a post in a scary accident that left him needing surgery and intensive care.

The Injury and Immediate Aftermath

Awoniyi’s injury was so severe that doctors placed him in an induced coma to manage his recovery after a complex operation.

Thankfully, by Wednesday night, he had been brought out of the coma and was awake, surrounded by his family.

His condition remains the top priority for everyone involved.

Controversy Over Offside Protocols

This incident has sparked a lot of debate around a rule introduced in 2020 about how and when referees signal offsides.

The protocol allows officials to hold off on raising the flag in very clear attacking situations — especially when a player looks certain to score or is making a clear run toward the opponent’s penalty area.

In Awoniyi’s case, the offside flag was delayed when he chased a cross from Anthony Elanga.

Elanga was later ruled offside, but because the flag wasn’t raised immediately, the play continued, and the injury occurred.

Critics argue that if the flag had gone up sooner, Awoniyi might have avoided the dangerous collision that led to his ruptured intestine and hospital stay.

What the Authorities Are Saying

IFAB, the group responsible for football’s laws, hasn’t commented publicly due to the sensitivity of the situation.

However, insiders say the incident will definitely be reviewed.

Whether it will lead to any changes in the offside protocol is still unclear.

Why Was the Protocol Introduced?

The rule was designed to promote more goals and fluid attacking play.

By allowing the game to continue until the attack finishes, referees can avoid interrupting exciting moments prematurely.

VAR checks are then used afterward to confirm decisions, keeping the flow of the game without sacrificing fairness.

Looking Ahead

As Awoniyi continues his recovery, the football world watches closely to see if this serious incident will prompt a rethink of the current offside system.

For now, all eyes are on the striker’s health and the hope that he can make a full comeback.