Nottingham Forest player accused of faking injury – Claim situation covered up to avoid ‘backlash’ from fans

Ghana manager Chris Hughton included Nottingham Forest’s André Ayew in his squad to face Angola twice in AFCON qualifiers this month.

Having won 1-0 at home, Ghana had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Angola earlier this week. Prior to the second game, The Black Stars confirmed the Tricky Trees forward was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Ghana legend Charles Taylor has accused the Nottingham Forest player of faking an injury. That came during an interview with Angel TV, relayed by Modern Ghana.

The 33-year-old didn’t feature in Ghana’s 1-0 win over Angola. Taylor is of the belief the former Swansea City man wasn’t pleased with Hughton’s decision to not give him game time, which resulted in him withdrawing from the national team squad for the second tie.

“The injured players who have left the team are good but not entirely because we know what they can do for the team, but I’m struggling to believe the excuse for Dede [Ayew], that he is injured, because he didn’t even play the game. I believe there is something there and it is not that he is injured,” he said.

“Maybe he was an angel that they didn’t allow him to play the first leg and that is why he has dropped out of the squad. The medical team has said he is injured but I don’t believe that. He is angry that he didn’t play and that is why he is not going to Angola.”

Taylor has accused the Black Stars of covering up the situation around the Nottingham Forest attacker to avoid further issues.

“Yes, the medical team said he is injured but we are in Ghana. They said that because they didn’t want him to receive the backlash from the public,” Taylor explained.

Ayew joined Steve Copper’s side in the winter market and has failed to score a goal or register an assist from seven league matches.