Brenford forward Ivan Toney has broken his silence on the eight-month ban slammed on him by the English FA, MySportDab reports.
The England international suffered a devastating blow to his career after being slammed with an eight-month ban.
Toney pleaded guilty to 232 charges bordering on breaching betting rules and regulations.
He stood trial before an independent disciplinary committee to defend himself all to no avail as he was finally hit with a ban.
Also part of his punishment is a £50,000 fine.
Due to the ban, Toney will not be a part of football action until next season.
His ban will run out on September, 2024 when the 2023/24 season must have come to an end.
However, there are reports he can play for England national but that will be possible from March next year.
According to the Sun, Gareth Southgate had already shortlisted him as one of the priority players to make his squad for the double header Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia next month.
Now, he will be ruled out of international action for the Three Lions in what will be a big blow to his burgeoning national team career.
Toney will miss the two reaming Brentford matches this season against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Reacting to the ban Ivan Toney wrote, ”
“I have been notified of my eight-month ban from football after a hearing by FA Regulatory Commission.
“I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next eight months.
“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.”
It is apparent Toney may likely appeal the ban to save his career.
He is the third highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 20 goals and has played a key role in Brenford’s search for European football next season.
