Getty Image / Chloe Knott - Danehouse
Brentford FC is set to finish mid-table in the Premier League for the 2022/23 season. They currently occupy the 9th place spot sitting behind perennial top-6 club Tottenham with 57 points and a +11 goal differential.
When the 2023/24 Premier League seasons begins, Brentford FC will be without striker Ivan Toney. The West London club lost Ivan Toney after he was found to have bet on his own team to lose.
Normally, any athlete found gambling on their own team in any way would have the book thrown at them. And a striker betting on his own team to lose would trigger claims of match fixing.
However, Brentford FC just announced their acceptance of Ivan Toney’s suspension along with mentioning that his 8-month ban was drastically reduced due to being diagnosed as a gambling addict.
A document on the FA website, shared by Brentford FC, reads:
“The present case is not one of match-fixing. If it was, the charges would have been pursued under different provisions. There is no evidence that Mr Toney did or was even in a position to influence his own team to lose when he placed bets against them winning – he was not in the squad or eligible to play at the time.”
“The commission finds that a significant reduction should be made to reflect the diagnosed gambling addiction identified by [psychiatrist] Dr [Philip] Hopley. The lack of control the player has in respect of gambling is clearly a reflection of his diagnosed gambling addiction.”
The FA found that “126 bets were in respect of matches in a competition in which Mr Toney’s club had participated in or were eligible to participate in that particular season.” 13 bets were placed on his own team to lose.
Brentford FC writes the matter is now considered closed. They look forward to welcoming Ivan Toney back to club training in September.
Ivan Toney hasn’t said much publicly. He has vowed to speak up in the coming days:
I’ll speak soon with no filter.
— Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) May 26, 2023
Prior to his suspension, Toney had 20 goals and 4 assists in 33 matches.
In a twist of irony, Brentford FC’s shirt sponsor is Hollywoodbets, a sportsbook.