Fans have called for Gary Neville to apologise for his comments made about Nottingham Forest and striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was put in a coma after undergoing urgent surgery
14:31, 14 May 2025
Gary Neville
Gary Neville has been told to apologise(Image: Getty Images)
Gary Neville has faced calls to apologise for his comments about Nottingham Forest after Taiwo Awoniyi was left in a coma.
Forest striker Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after he reportedly suffered a ruptured intestine during a freak collision with the goal post during their controversial 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday.
According to a top doctor, the 27-year-old may have had a 50/50 chance of surviving before he was placed in a coma, where he underwent urgent surgery.
Following Forest’s draw, their owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the field of play in what appeared to be a fiery confrontation with manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The point against their already relegated rivals meant Forest were unable to climb back into the Champions League spots.
After Marinakis stormed onto the pitch, Neville hit out at the Greek businessman, saying: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”
Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after colliding with the post(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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However, Forest issued a statement claiming the confrontation actually occurred because Marinakis was unhappy with the way the situation regarding Awoniyi’s injury was treated.
Following the news of Awoniyi’s state, fans hit out at Neville on social media, insisting he should apologise for his comments. One user said: "I hope now Gary Neville will apologise and offer his best wishes to Taiwo.”
A second fumed: “Scandalous Marinakis came on the pitch furious a player was allowed to play on who’s now fighting for his life in hospital? Our manager should leave for that?”
Evangelos Marinakis - Nuno Espirito Santo
Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno Espirito Santo(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, other fans hit at the protocols for the assistant referee to keep their flag down until the attack has come to a close, so VAR can go back and check any infringements in the build-up to a goal.
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A third added: “Awoniyi is in a coma because the referees assistant didn’t flag for a very clear and obvious offside.” Another said: “Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma and receiving intensive care. It's time you swallowed your pride Gary Neville and apologies [sic] for this.”