Nottingham Forest’s Awoniyi in coma following abdominal surgery

According to the Daily Mail, the injury could've been fatal for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner. The initial signs are that the surgery has been a success. In what is a complex medical process, the doctors are expecting to complete the operation this evening.

Nottingham Forest released an official statement yesterday, claiming Awoniyi is recovering well following the operation.

Awoniyi, came on for Ibrahim Sangare on Sunday, and  received lengthy treatment on the pitch. Prior to colliding with the post, Anthony Elanga, who played the ball into Awoniyi's path was in an offside position, but the linesman kept his flag down, as is the rule with the PGMol in England.

Now, many have called out the referee governing body, claiming the rule should be changed once an offside is clear, as the protocol needlessly endangers players.

When an immediate goalscoring opportunity is likely to occur, assistant referees are told to keep their flag down until the passage of play is complete. If a goal is scored, then the offside situation, or a foul in the build-up to the goal is reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Several football fans, club staff, journalists and ex-players have shared their positive wishes with Taiwo Awoniyi, wishing him a speedy recovery.