Toney Opens Up On Betting Ban And Vows To Return Stronger

Toney was banned in May and missed Brentford's final two games of the season after admitting to 232 betting breaches.

The 27-year-old Englishman committed the offenses between February 2017 and January 2021.

Toney received his first England call-up in September prior to the World Cup but missed out on the final squad before winning his first cap in March.

Toney was charged by the Football Association just before the start of the World Cup and he will only be able to return to action in January next year.

Toney told Kick Game: “It came out just before the England camp. Obviously I missed that and the World Cup. Honestly, that would have been my biggest dream.

“It was like, get it out now so he doesn’t go with England and then all of a sudden they want to wait until the end of the season (to announce the suspension).

“It is what it is, if they want to do it that way. I call it a bit spiteful, but it is what it is.

“I felt like that was a bigger punishment. Even now I’m missing eight months of football, I feel that was a bigger punishment, missing out on the World Cup, everybody’s dream, to missing eight months of football.”

Toney, who scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games this season, has received support from England manager Gareth Southgate over his ban.

“It felt good. Obviously, it’s going to do, the England manager backing you and standing with you,” Toney said. “I think he probably sees it as a bit harsh as well.

“Not letting me train or be around the team for however long, but I’ve got the right people around me.

“Every season I’ve got better, scoring more goals, and I’m hungry now to get back. When January comes, you’re going to see a different animal.

“I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me. A punishment is a punishment, just get on with it.”