Football's lawmakers are set to review the incident that left Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi with a serious injury after colliding with a goalpost.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward suffered a ruptured intestine during Forest's 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday that later saw him placed into a medically induced coma.
The collision occurred whilst Awoniyi was chasing a cross from team-mate Anthony Elanga, who was subsequently flagged for offside.
Awoniyi was placed into an induced coma following the incident and required intensive care treatment.
Taiwo Awoniyi required emergency surgery after he hit the post
Reuters
The striker needed complex surgery to address the potentially fatal injury.
As of Wednesday night, Awoniyi was reported to be out of the induced coma and recovering after his operation.
He is now awake and has been reunited with his family as he begins his recovery process.
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The incident has drawn attention to the controversial offside flag protocol introduced in 2020.
This protocol allows officials to delay raising offside flags in "very clear attacking situations when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into/towards the opponents' penalty area".
Critics have pointed out that had the flag been raised immediately in Awoniyi's case, he likely would not have sustained such a serious injury.
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There was an altercation post-mach between owner and manager for Nottingham Forest
Getty
Many have condemned the protocol in the wake of this incident.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, the FA are set to review the controversial offside rule.
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Whether this review will trigger a change to the current offside flag protocol remains to be seen.
The serious nature of Awoniyi's injury has prompted widespread discussion about player safety in relation to the delayed flag rule.
The protocol was originally introduced to allow more goals to be scored, according to lawmakers.
It enables officials to avoid intervening until an attack is completed, allowing for a VAR check if necessary.
Awoniyi, who plays internationally for Nigeria, is now on the road to recovery.
The Forest striker has regained consciousness following his complex operation and is currently surrounded by his family as he begins his recuperation.
