Brentford forward, Ivan Toney, has broken his silence after being hit with an eight-month ban by the English FA.
The talismani Brenford forward was slammed with a career-denting ban by the English FA for breaching FA betting rules and regulations. He was also fined £50,000.
With his £20,000 weekly wages at Brentford, footing a £50,000 fine may not be an issue for the England international but the eight-month ban will actually take a toll on his career.
Due to the ban, Ivan Toney is set to miss the few remaining Brenford matches for this season. He is also not expected in the Brenford squad as the season kicks off next season.
The ban will expire in September next year. According to reports, he will not be expected to train with Brenford until the expiration of the ban.
Ivan Toney’s ban is coming at a time he has made enormous gains in his career. Toney is currently the third highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 20 goals.
He is only overtaken by Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur.
He has been a key member of Thomas Frank’s Brentford squad, who are chasing European football next season.
His standout performance for the Bees in the Premier League this season has earned him a place in Gareth Southgates’ England national team but such career gains may likely be eroded soon following the ban.
Reacting to the ban by the FA, Ivan Toney expressed his disappointment but added since the written reasons for the ban is yet to be published, he will not comment further.
He also hope to return to action next season following the ban while also thanking friends and families for their support throughout the ordeal.
“The written reasons for the Commission’s decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support, through what has been a very difficult time.
“I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season,” he said.
Brenford have strongly backed Ivan Toney throughout the trial. They have equally reacted to the ban, maintaining they will await the written reason for the ban before taking any further action.
“We will review the written reasons before considering our next steps,” the club said.
The Sun reports Ivan Toney was expected to make Gareth Southgates’ Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia next month but will not be eligible to play for now for the Three Lions due to the ban until March next year.
Ivan Toney pleaded guilty to 232 charges relating to a breach of betting rules which allegedly occured between February 2017 and January 2021 when he was plying his trade as a Newcastle loanee to Scunthorpe and Wigan.
As things stand, it is clear the ban decision will be appealed when the written reasons is published.
Before the ban which was confirmed on Tuesday, Ivan Toney appeared before an independent FA disciplinary commission to make his case, all to no avail.
He will start his ban in Brenford’s matchday 37 clash against Tottenham Hotspur and will also miss the last game against Manchester City.
How many goals has Ivan Toney scored for Brenford this season?
Ivan Toney has scored a total of 20 goals for Brentford this season. He is second on the Premier League top scorers chart this season.
How old is Ivan Toney?
Ivan Toney is 27 years old. He was born on 16 March, 1994.
How long will Ivan Toney’s ban last?
Ivan Toney has been handed an eight-month ban by the FA. His ban will last till January, 2024.
