Ivan Toney claims ‘someone was out to get me’ and stop him from representing England at the World Cup after details of his bet before Qatar 2022 came out, declaring ‘it’s not right in my head’
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Ivan Toney claimed details of his betting ahead of the World Cup came out because ‘someone was out to get me’ and prevent him from representing England at the tournament.
Brentford striker Toney was banned from football for eight months in May and fined £50,000 after admitting 232 breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.
However, allegations about his historic gambling first surfaced months before and five days before Gareth Southgate named his World Cup squad, leaving Toney suspicious of what he called the “questionable” timing.
Six days after being left out by Southgate, Toney was subsequently charged by the FA and he said: ‘I feel it was a bit of a coincidence when they decided to come out with everything and they ended up having to take the penalty. of the season so far.
“Yes, I am now suspended, but the biggest punishment was missing participation in the World Cup. I felt more hurt, (and) down around the time. Like someone was out to get me, to stop me from playing for England.
Ivan Toney claimed ‘someone was out to get me’ after details of his betting history were revealed just before Gareth Southgate named his squad for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup
Toney spoke about the scandal, but also added that his sentence ‘isn’t right in his head’
He has been banned until January 16, 2024 after admitting to committing 232 offenses under the FA’s gambling rules.
“In my mind that was how I saw it at the time. It is everyone’s dream to play at the World Cup and get me banned later on. It was like a double hit.
“If you’re going to stop me going to the World Cup, do it there and then and deal with the whole situation instead of doing that, missing out on the World Cup, let me play the rest of the season and then suspend.” me after the season. It’s not right in my head.’
Toney first spoke about it publicly and in detail on The Diary of a CEO podcast, describing the gambling scandal as his “nadir.”
He spoke of the implications of being seen as a ‘match fixer’ despite his offenses being ‘a far cry from match fixing’, a conclusion reached by the FA’s independent commission.
Toney, who revealed he first started betting when he was 15, also insisted he wasn’t lying when questioned during his five-hour interview, but admitted he couldn’t remember some of the details he was told about. asked.
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Toney was not selected as part of Southgate’s World Cup squad last year, but was subsequently recalled to the squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine earlier this year
He said, ‘When I go to certain places, some people may not want to be associated with me.
“I remember when there were accusations, I wanted to go to a restaurant and they said, ‘No, we’re not taking you.’ (I said) “what do you mean?” (They said) “because of the charges we won’t let you in” or something like that. I was so confused.
“First of all, it’s accusations and second, you’re a restaurant. How can you not let someone in because of bad press? I was stunned. My car insurance. They wouldn’t insure me because of the whole scandal. It was mind-boggling.’
Toney will not be able to train until next month or play football until January and described his suspension as being in a “football prison.”
The striker continued to play for Brentford until he was handed an eight-month suspension in May
It dashed hopes of a move this summer for Toney, who have been eyed by Chelsea among others, but that prospect could resurface if he returns.
Toney confirmed he is a Liverpool fan, speaking of his admiration for Arsenal and that he loved watching Manchester United when they had Dimitar Berbatov when asked about possible future destinations.
He added: ‘Everyone wants to play at the top of the tree, not that Brentford isn’t there, but I feel like playing for a big club, fighting for trophies everyone wants to do and if had the chance to join’ It would be crazy not to look at it.
“The (Brentford) manager (Thomas Frank) knows I want to play at the highest level possible and when the time comes, so be it, but my time at Brentford was good. Probably one of the best times of my career.’