Football pundit and former England international Gary Neville is under intense scrutiny after making comments widely criticized as “disrespectful and insensitive” following a serious injury to Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The 27-year-old Nigerian was placed in an induced coma after colliding with a goalpost in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Leicester City.
Amid ongoing treatment, fans and Nottingham Forest officials are demanding that Neville apologize for calling the team owner’s emotional pitch-side response “scandalous”—a remark now seen as harsh in light of the medical emergency that followed.
What Happened to Taiwo Awoniyi?
Horrific Collision with Goalpost During Forest vs Leicester
In the dying minutes of the Premier League clash, Awoniyi charged toward the goal in a last-ditch scoring attempt, only to collide forcefully with the post. Despite clearly being in pain, he stayed on the pitch before eventually being substituted.
Medical checks revealed a traumatic abdominal injury, reportedly resulting in internal bleeding.
Emergency Surgery and Induced Coma Explained
Awoniyi was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors opted to place him into an induced coma to stabilize his condition and facilitate recovery. The move, while drastic, is often used as a protective measure after severe trauma.
The club has since confirmed that his condition is stable and improving, though he remains in intensive care.
Evangelos Marinakis Confronts Nuno Espírito Santo
Emotional On-Pitch Reaction by Forest Owner
Immediately after the match, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed the pitch, confronting manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Witnesses say he was visibly angry and emotional, reportedly furious that Awoniyi was not removed from the game sooner.
Marinakis believed the coaching and medical staff failed to act quickly enough after the initial injury, potentially worsening the striker’s condition.
Club Defends Marinakis Amid Health Crisis
Nottingham Forest quickly issued a statement defending their owner’s actions, calling them “a response driven by genuine concern for the health of one of our players.” The club emphasized that Marinakis was not undermining the manager, but reacting in the heat of a deeply troubling moment.
Gary Neville’s Controversial Comments Ignite Firestorm
Accuses Marinakis of Undermining Authority
Speaking on Sky Sports shortly after the match, Gary Neville described Marinakis’ actions as “scandalous,” suggesting that confronting a manager on the pitch in full view of cameras “destabilizes the club” and is “completely unacceptable.”
Suggests Nuno Should “Resign Immediately”
Neville went further, arguing that if a manager is publicly undermined by ownership, “he should walk out tonight.” The strong statement appeared tone-deaf to many viewers, especially as news of Awoniyi’s critical condition began to spread.
Nottingham Forest Fans and Club Demand Apology
Club Calls Out “Baseless” Media Outrage
Nottingham Forest issued a stern response, accusing media figures of focusing on the confrontation rather than the wellbeing of Awoniyi. A spokesperson said: “What we are seeing is baseless and ill-informed outrage at a time when our focus is rightly on the health of our player.”
Fans Slam Neville for Disrespect Amid Medical Emergency
Forest supporters have launched a social media campaign calling for Neville to apologize. “The timing was disgusting,” one fan tweeted. “A player is in a coma, and this is what Neville chooses to talk about?”
The hashtag #ApologizeNeville began trending as thousands of fans expressed their anger.
