Suspended Brentford striker Ivan Toney has promised to return with a bang in the 2023/24 season after being pictured in an emotional state on the last day of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Toney was found guilty by the FA of breaching over 200 betting laws for professional footballers in a four-year span (2017 – 2021). The breaches were mostly from his time as a Peterborough and Newcastle United player, with a few happening during his early days at Brentford.
As a result, the 27-year-old striker has been banned from any football activities for the next eight months and will only be allowed to return to training four months after the ban order was issued.
It is understood that the punishment was initially set at 15 months but after he pleaded guilty to the accusations, it was reduced to 11. Following evidence from a psychiatrist that Toney is a gambling addict, the FA further reduced it to eight months as they were not willing to let the striker go without punishment.
They also issued him a £50,000 fine to be paid before the ban is lifted.
This punishment took effect immediately it was issued and it saw him miss the last three games of Brentford’s 2022/23 campaign, which finished with him as the club’s top scorer in the league (and in all competitions). He also finished as the third highest goalscorer in the league behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland with his 20 goals.
The ban also made him miss the club’s victory lap in their stadium, which denied him the opportunity to soak in the fans’ adulation and give his appreciation for their support in return.
Following the incident where he was captured watching his teammates in the tunnel with a few tears in his eye, the England Three Lions striker took to his social media to promise fans that he will be back stronger than ever.
Toney posted the words, “Cream always rises, remember that. Back soon,” with an accompaniment of emojis as he assured fans of his return to the pitch, which is slated for January 2024.
Brentford have confirmed that they and Toney will not appeal the suspension. They consider the matter ‘closed’ and will offer him full support as their player. “The club will now be doing everything possible to provide support to Ivan and his family to deal with the issues raised in this case,” a club statement read.
“We consider this matter closed and look forward to welcoming Ivan back to training in September.”
