Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi required emergency surgery for an abdominal injury suffered after colliding with a goalpost during Sunday`s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester.
Awoniyi received medical treatment on the field for several minutes following the painful incident late in the match but initially returned to continue playing.
However, medical staff only discovered the full severity of the 27-year-old Nigerian`s injury on Monday, leading to him being admitted to hospital for urgent surgery.
The incident and its handling were reportedly the reason behind a heated pitchside exchange between Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the final whistle.
Marinakis was said to be angered by the decision allowing Awoniyi to resume playing after the collision.
Despite his brief return and finishing the game, Awoniyi was visibly uncomfortable after hitting the post while attempting to connect with Anthony Elanga`s cross.
Manager Nuno later described the decision to keep Awoniyi on the field as a “misunderstanding.”
He stated, “It was disappointing for everybody,” explaining they effectively played the final ten minutes with a player unable to perform fully due to pain.
Nuno clarified the confusion: “There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. We had the heads up to make a sub, then Taiwo tried but could not [run properly].”
He defended the owner`s passionate reaction, calling it a driving force for the club`s improvement and relatable to the fans` feelings.
Marinakis himself addressed the incident, acknowledging the frustration shared by staff, players, and fans over the injury and the medical assessment.
He described the reaction as a natural demonstration of passion for the club, while also stressing focus on future goals.
Marcus Bellamy