Awoniyi risks disciplinary action over his goal commemoration

Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi could face disciplinary action after displaying a religious message during Premier League action, despite scoring in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Awoniyi capped an impressive away performance with a late goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sealing a dominant victory that strengthened Forest’s position and deepened concerns for their opponents.

The striker converted from close range after connecting with a delivery from Neco Williams, registering his second league goal of the season following his earlier strike against Brentford in January.

However, attention has since shifted to Awoniyi’s celebration, which saw him reveal a religious slogan bearing the words “God is the greatest” as he celebrated.

He was booked during the match and may now face further sanctions under the laws governing player conduct.

Under Law 4 of the International Football Association Board, players are prohibited from displaying political, religious or personal messages.

“Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo,” the regulation stated.

“For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”

The development has drawn comparisons with a previous controversy involving Marc Guehi, who was reminded by the Football Association of similar rules after writing religious messages on his rainbow armband during a Premier League campaign linked with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall last season.

At the time, UK politician Neil O’Brien criticised the FA’s handling of the situation, questioning inconsistencies in its approach.

“People criticised Sam Morsy for not wearing a rainbow armband on the weekend. The club said he was a Muslim, that was the end of it. FA ‘declined to comment’. What a total two-tier mess,” he said.

Guehi, meanwhile, defended his actions, insisting his message was rooted in personal belief and inclusivity.

“The message was just a message of truth and love and inclusivity to be honest,” he said.

“I don’t think the message was harmful in any way – that’s all I can really say about that, to be honest.

“I believe 100% in the words that I wrote, even what I’ve just said now – it’s a message of truth and love, and I hope people can understand that my faith is my faith, and I’ll stand by it for the rest of my life.”

Awoniyi’s case is now expected to be reviewed by the relevant authorities, with any potential sanction likely to be determined in line with established regulations governing player conduct.