Ivan Toney ‘shocked’ at ban reports

Premier League footballer Ivan Toney says he is “shocked and saddened” at media reports concerning a potential six-month ban for his breaches of betting rules.

The Brentford striker has, according to the Daily Mail, pleaded guilty to a number of the 262 charges put against him by the Football Association.

The FA is now handling Toney’s case and will issue a hearing date, before an Independent Regulatory Commission will decide whether to dismiss or uphold the charges based on evidence.

However, Sky Sports News reported that it “anticipates” that Toney could be banned for at least six months. The publication added that “it is in Brentford’s interests” for the Englishman to be banned sooner rather than later, so as to avoid missing too much of the 2023/24 season.

Toney has responded, calling for his lawyers to launch leak inquiry and saying he is “shocked and saddened” at the reports.

He said it was his understanding that his case was a “confidential process” until a decision has been reached.

“It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA is saying I shall be banned from football for six months before there has even been a hearing, and it does make me worried about the process,” Toney said.