Ivan Toney ‘shocked’ at ban talks after pleading guilty to multiple betting charges
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is shocked and startled at the ban speculations doing the round after he pleaded guilty to multiple betting charges.
The former Newcastle forward was charged with 232 breaches in November and a further 30 in December.
According to Metro Sports, Ivan Toney has pleaded guilty to some of these charges and could be banned for six months considering how similar situations have been handled by FA in the past.
But, Toney upon reading the news took to his Instagram page to express his shock at how the information got to the media.
Toney posted on Instagram: “I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I have been told by the FA that it is a confidential process until any decision has been made.
“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.
“My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers – the last time was just before the selection of the England World Cup squad.
“As I continue to be told the investigation is meant to be confidential, I am unable to provide any further comment. I shall continue to concentrate on my football.”
According to BBC Sports, Ivan Toney has admitted many of the offenses but is contesting others. FA rule E8 bans players from betting on games or sharing information for betting purposes.
The alleged breaches took place between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021, during which time Toney represented Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United, and Brentford.
In 2017, Joey Barton was suspended for 18 months after he admitted to placing 1260 bets between 2006 and 2013, although his ban was cut to 13 months following a successful appeal.
In 2021, Boston United’s Andi Thanoj and Jay Rollins were banned for five months for placing 757 bets between them.
