Nottingham Forest¡¯s Taiwo Awoniyi placed in induced coma after surgery; fans demand apology from Gary Neville for his comments

Taiwo Awoniyi, the 27-year-old Nottingham Forest striker, is struggling for life, as he has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery. On Saturday, the football star sustained a serious abdominal injury during the clash between Forest and Leicester.

The thrilling match last weekend left the Nigerian international suffering from a nasty abdominal injury in Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Awoniyi suffered the injury just after crashing into the post in the 2-2 draw at City's home and received immediate medical treatment, but it didn't help, and eventually he was forced to leave the pitch.

Credit: X

Why did Taiwo Awoniyi undergo surgery?

The Nigerian international player was rushed to the hospital immediately. On Monday, it was confirmed that the initial signs indicated the surgery had been a success.

Following this, on Monday night, he underwent surgery and still remains in the hospital. The rest of the procedure is set to be completed on Wednesday. According to the Sun UK report, doctors initially hoped to complete the complex surgery, but they were unable to; hence, Awoniyi had to be placed in an induced coma.

Credit: X

Forest issued a statement shortly after Awoniyi underwent the surgery and said, "Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday¡¯s match against Leicester City.

"The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player¡¯s health and well-being must always come first."

Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed into an induced coma and is receiving intensive care following surgery on the serious abdominal injury that he sustained during Nottingham Forest¡¯s game against Leicester City on Sunday.
Awoniyi collided painfully with a post. https://t.co/P1QpmiZIw6 pic.twitter.com/ZktaUamor9

¡ª HOSSAM JALAL (@HOSSAM_JALAL1) May 13, 2025

Gary Neville's apology was demanded

Amid Awoniyi's recovery, football fans have called for Gary Neville to apologise following his criticism of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who stormed onto the ground on Sunday.

According to Sky Sports, Awoniyi has a ruptured intestine, and the incident has left the footballing community hoping that he makes a swift and speedy recovery at this difficult time. On Sunday, Marinakis rushed onto the pitch to have a heated exchange with Nuno Esp¨ªrito Santo.

While the details of their conversation were initially unknown, the club later clarified that the Forest owner was upset about how his player's injury was managed.

Neville even went as far as to suggest that Nuno should quit his role as a manager. Following this, the Sky Sports pundit, who wasn't aware of the severity of Awoniyi's injury, said, ¡°Scandalous from that Forest owner."

The news has left fans furious, and they have called for Neville to apologise for his remarks. One said, "Gary has lost credibility."

Gary has lost credibility

¡ª Henz (@UTDHenz) May 13, 2025

Another said, " He's been very quiet on it, knowing if it was his club he would've demanded for change"

He's been very quiet on it, knowing if it was his club he would've demanded for change

¡ª . (@utdpure) May 13, 2025

One said, "I hope now Gary Neville will apologise and offer his best wishes to Taiwo."

I hope now Gary Neville will apologise and offer his best wishes to Taiwo.

¡ª Hannah Forest??? (@hannahforest) May 13, 2025

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.