Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 9:00 PM• Jonathan van Haaster • Last update: 21:00

Ivan Toney has reacted for the first time to the punishment he received from the English Football Association on Wednesday. Following 232 violations of the FA’s gambling rules, he has been suspended for no less than eight months. In addition, Toney was fined £50,000. The Brentford attacker says on Instagram Stories that he is waiting for the written statement from the independent committee.

“Today I received notice of my eight-month suspension following the FA’s regulatory committee hearing that took place yesterday,” Toney begins. “Of course I am disappointed that I will not be able to play for eight months. The committee’s written reasons have not yet been revealed, so I will refrain from commenting.”

“I would like to thank my family, friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support during a very difficult time,” he continued. “I’m now focusing on my return next season to the game I love so much.” The 27-year-old attacker is not allowed to play any more matches until January 17, 2024. Toney has admitted to 232 misdemeanor offenses, which led to his sentence. However, he is allowed to train again from September 17 of this year, exactly four months after his suspension.

Toney was charged with 262 counts of breaching gambling rules between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021. The FA has dropped 30 of those charges, but Toney has pleaded guilty to the remaining 232 charges. Thus, what has been a great season for Toney comes to an abrupt end. The Englishman scored no fewer than 20 goals in 33 Premier League games. He also made his debut for England in March in the European Championship qualifier against Ukraine.