Ivan Toney Finally Opens Up About His Ban & Reveals His Preferred Future Team!

Added: Aug 21, 2023

Toney discusses the investigation process, including the FA's request for his mobile phone and bank statements. He admits to 232 breaches of the FA's rules, involving betting on football matches, but clarifies that it was not related to match-fixing. He explains that he was betting on himself to score goals or on his team when he was not playing. Toney acknowledges that his relationship with gambling became unhealthy and that he progressively bet more as he earned more money. The podcast explores the impact of gambling on Toney's life, with him admitting that he often waited for payday to cover his losses. He reflects on his lack of awareness about the rules regarding betting on football and mentions that the clubs he played for did not provide clear guidance on the matter. Toney admits to initially lying to the FA about his betting activities but later admitted the truth during the investigation. The podcast delves into various aggravating factors considered during Toney's case, including his knowledge of the rules, the alleged concealment of his betting activities, and the deletion of messages. The commission concludes that Toney was aware of the rules but acknowledges that there was a gray area regarding what he could and couldn't bet on. The commission also finds no substantial evidence of message deletion. A significant aspect of the case is the involvement of a psychologist who determines that Toney has a gambling addiction. This finding leads to a reduction in his sanction. Toney discusses his newfound understanding of gambling addiction and the challenges he faces in seeking professional support due to the public scrutiny surrounding his case. The podcast addresses the perception of the impact of football betting on the integrity of the game and the FA's intention to make an example of Toney. The commission imposes an eight-month ban and a £50,000 fine, considering the mitigating factors of Toney's guilty plea and the gambling addiction diagnosis. Toney expresses his determination to come back stronger and prove himself on the football pitch. He discusses his ambitions to play for England, win trophies, and potentially move to a bigger club in the future. He emphasizes the importance of mental strength and a winning mentality in achieving his goals. Toney acknowledges the support he has received from his family, his club manager, Thomas Frank, and England manager, Gareth Southgate. He also mentions the love and support he receives from Brentford fans. Toney reflects on the impact of the case on his family and the need to make them proud. Toney then opens up about his experience with racial abuse in football. He reveals that he still receives racist messages and estimates that he would have around 100 messages if he were to post all of them. Toney believes that most of the abuse comes from people who are angry about the outcome of a game or their fantasy league performance. He also shares his opinion on taking the knee before matches, stating that he stopped doing it because he feels the gesture has lost its purpose and is not effectively addressing racism in the game. Toney emphasizes that more needs to be done to combat racism in football, both in the UK and globally. The conversation moves on to the sanctions Toney received and whether he believes they were fair. Toney acknowledges that if those are the rules, then he accepts the punishment. However, he questions why players in lower leagues received lesser sanctions for similar offenses. He believes that if he is being made an example of, then the same standards should be applied to everyone. Toney also mentions that he wants to prove people wrong and show that he can bounce back from this setback. The host commends Toney for his self-belief and conviction, noting that he senses a deep drive in him. Toney agrees and shares his mindset when it comes to facing fears and pressure. He believes that having a strong belief in oneself increases the chances of success. The conversation concludes with the host expressing his confidence in Toney's ability to excel upon his return to Brentford and encouraging him to let his football do the talking.