Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is facing potential disciplinary action from the Football Association following his goal celebration in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Awoniyi, who came off the bench to score the final goal in the 87th minute, celebrated by removing his match jersey to reveal a white undershirt with the handwritten message: “God is the greatest.”
While the goal sealed a massive three points for Forest in their fight against relegation, the celebration immediately caught the attention of officials.
The Rulebook and the Sanction
Under FA Law 4, which governs players’ equipment, there is a strict prohibition against displaying any personal, political, or religious slogans, statements, or images on undergarments. The rule states:
“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… For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned.”
Referee Thomas Bramall issued an automatic yellow card to Awoniyi on the pitch for “excessive celebration” (removing the shirt), but the FA is expected to review the specific religious content of the message.
Typically, such breaches result in a formal warning or a fine rather than a match suspension, though the FA takes a firm stance on maintaining neutrality on the pitch.
A Pattern of Faith
This is not the first time the 28-year-old forward has used his platform to express his Christian faith. In 2024, he was cautioned for revealing a Bible verse (Ecclesiastes 12:13) after scoring against West Ham. He also faced similar scrutiny during his time in the Belgian league with Royal Excel Mouscron.
Awoniyi has frequently spoken in interviews about his humble beginnings in Ilorin, Nigeria, and how his faith has been his anchor through injury struggles and his journey to the Premier League. For the striker, these messages are a way of giving thanks, even if they conflict with the league’s strict regulations.
What’s Next for Forest?
The victory was the first under new manager Vítor Pereira and moved Forest into 16th place, leapfrogging Tottenham in the table. While the club will be thrilled with the result, they will now wait for the FA’s official disciplinary report, which is expected within the next 48 hours.
