Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in a medically induced coma after suffering a ruptured intestine in Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City — and the controversial ‘late flag’ offside protocol is under renewed scrutiny.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international collided forcefully with the goalpost while trying to connect with a cross from Anthony Elanga, who replays later confirmed was in an offside position. Awoniyi attempted to continue briefly before being withdrawn in the 83rd minute and later underwent emergency surgery.
Sources confirm the forward suffered a ruptured intestine, a rare and life-threatening injury. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted medical staff post-match, reportedly angry at what he saw as a misjudgement in handling the situation.
The Offside Law Under Fire
Introduced for the 2020-21 season by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the ‘delayed flag’ protocol requires assistant referees to hold their flag until a phase of play is completed if there’s a potential goalscoring opportunity — even if the offside appears obvious.
In Awoniyi’s case, the assistant referee followed this protocol. But the lack of an immediate offside call allowed play to continue, ultimately leading to the striker’s severe injury.
Former referee Keith Hackett voiced strong concerns:
“This practice does expose players to the risk of injury.”
Mounting Criticism From the Football World
Footballers and managers alike are growing impatient with the rule. Man City captain Rodri, speaking after teammate Ederson’s similar incident in January, called the rule “ridiculous,” pointing to repeated injuries linked to the delay in raising the flag.
Former England midfielder Fara Williams did not mince words:
“This has been a time bomb waiting to go off… Awoniyi’s injury proves that.”
She emphasized that when offside is “clear and obvious,” the flag must go up immediately. The injury occurred near the halfway line — far from an immediate threat — prompting even greater criticism of the rigid enforcement of the rule.
Pattern of Injuries Mounts Pressure on IFAB
Awoniyi’s injury isn’t the first. Wolves’ Rui Patricio (March 2021), Manchester City’s John Stones and Ederson (both in late 2023) have all suffered injuries in scenarios where the flag was delayed.
The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) maintains the law was applied correctly, but growing backlash from players, managers, and analysts may force IFAB to revisit the rule.
Could Change Be Coming?
IFAB, composed of the four British FAs and FIFA, meets twice annually. Its spring meeting is typically used to evaluate the laws of the game. Calls are growing louder for this particular rule to be reassessed.
Until then, players remain at risk, with Awoniyi’s terrifying ordeal now a flashpoint in a debate that could reshape how the offside rule is enforced in the Premier League — and beyond.
