Brentford breaks his silence on Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban and pledges to support the striker and his family
BRENTFORD have released a statement following Ivan Toney’s eight-month football suspension.
The 27-year-old Bees and England forward was penalized last week after 232 breaches of FA Rules.
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The details of these violations were released on Friday.
In the report, the Peterborough ex-husband was diagnosed with a gambling problem.
Shortly after this information was released, Toney cryptically tweeted, “I’ll be speaking unfiltered soon.”
But Brentford released a more detailed statement as they offered their support for the striker – who will not be eligible to play until January 2024.
The clubs opinion began: “Brentford FC have received and accepted the written reasons from an independent regulatory commission which issued Ivan Toney an eight-month ban from all football and football-related activities after he admitted breaches of FA Rule E8 in relation to placing bets on football. ” “
It continued: “The club will now do everything possible to support Ivan and his family in dealing with the problems raised in this case.”
“Conversations on this and all matters related to the case remain confidential to protect the player and his family.”
“We consider this matter closed and look forward to welcoming Ivan back to training in September and seeing him represent Brentford in the Premier League in January.”
The bomb report stated that Toney:
- Between August 2017 and March 2018, while on loan at Latics, he placed 13 bets AGAINST his own team – 11 against his parent club Newcastle and two against Wigan
- He has bet 16 times that his team will win and he has participated in this game 11 times
- He informed a friend that he would start his next club game in March 2018
- During his first interview with the FA, when questioned about his game allegations, he admitted to lying
- Bet on him scoring in nine different games
- Because of his admission of guilt, his suspension was almost halved to eight months
Toney enjoyed a sensational season for Brentford, scoring 21 goals in 35 games.
But now he has to take a four-month break before he can train with his teammates again.
He was also fined £50,000 along with the ban.
England manager Gareth Southgate revealed on Tuesday that he was concerned about the suspension.
He said: “It’s one thing not to be allowed to play, but if we’re not allowed to be part of the football community then we have to be very careful about how we do that.”
“He accepted the punishment. What bothers me is that we have to take care of the people. He is hurt. What can he do to get fit?
“How do we give him structure over the next few months so that he can end up being a better person?
“I don’t like the idea that we are leaving someone behind so they are not allowed to be part of the football community.
“I don’t think the best rehabilitation programs would work like that.
“I do not question the decision to ban. I think about the player and how I can help him.”
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Set time and money limits before playing
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Don’t play when they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gambling Conscious – www.begambleaware.org
If you need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk Being banned from all UK regulated gambling websites.