Professional Footballers Call For New Rule After Awoniyi’s Injury

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has demanded for a regulation change following an injury to Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi.

Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma earlier this week following emergency abdominal surgery.

The Nigerian striker clashed with a post during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

The injury occurred after assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis delayed raising the flag to signify offside against Anthony Elanga during the match.

PFA, who have spoken with Awoniyi’s family, expressed worry over the incident saying they were prepared to take action.

The professional players’ body also demanded stoppage of play when there an evident incident occurred offside, rather than continuing and risking terrible harm, as occurred to Awoniyi.

The PFA said it will now engage with the PGMOL and the IFAB, saying both agencies are eager to listen and assess the situation.

According to the players’ body, conversations with the bodies will centre around striking a balance when players are clearly offside and about learning lessons from what happened to the Nigerian striker.