Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi may face disciplinary action from the English Football Association after his goal celebration during Forest’s 3-0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Nigerian forward came off the bench to score Forest’s third goal, his second of the season, and lifted his jersey to reveal a shirt reading, “God is the greatest.”
Awoniyi received an automatic yellow card for removing his shirt, but further sanctions could follow because of the message displayed. While it reflects his personal faith, the celebration may conflict with FA and Premier League rules.
“Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo,” the regulation states. “For any offence, the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, the national football association, or by FIFA.”
Officials are expected to treat Awoniyi’s case with leniency since the message is religious rather than political. Instead of a harsher punishment, he may receive only a formal warning or a minor fine.
The striker’s celebration capped a dominant Forest performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, putting further pressure on the struggling Spurs side.
