- Awoniyi, 27, tried to play on after the incident but requires an urgent procedure
- The incident led to the on-pitch row between Nuno and Evangelos Marinakis
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Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery on an abominal injury he sustained during the 2-2 draw with Leicester.
Awoniyi, 27, collided with the post in the final minutes at the City Ground on Sunday and tried to carry on after receiving several minutes of treatment.
The extent of the injury was only discovered by club medical staff on Monday and the Nigeria international was hospitalised for an urgent procedure.
Awoniyi had stretched to try and meet Anthony Elanga’s cross and was in visible discomfort after sliding into the foot of the post, an incident which led to a on-pitch confrontation between Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo.
Marinakis was concerned about the frontman’s condition after he was left on despite Nuno consulting with his medical staff during stoppage time.
Nuno said: ‘It was disappointing for everybody.
‘Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. Taiwo gave it a go but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team. 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 he could not [run fully].
‘[We feel] disappointment and frustration of course. But it is because of the owner and his passion that we are growing as a club. He pushes us.
‘He wants us to be better. It is his passion and desire to be a big club. 30,000 people felt the same today. For sure, many of them would go on the pitch and shake us down. Us as a club, we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.’
Marinakis concurred, adding: ‘Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!’
‘Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural.
‘This is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.
‘Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!’
Gary Neville criticised Marinakis’ ‘scandalous’ behaviour and suggested Nuno should negotiate his departure despite leading the club to European football.
