- Toney returned to action after completing his eight-month football ban
- Click here for live updates from Brentford’s league match with Nottingham Forest
- Ivan Toney is ambitious and wants to win titles… you can’t begrudge him that! It all starts
Ivan Toney was given a WWE-style entrance as he made his big return for Brentford after an eight-month ban from football.
The 27-year-old attacker stepped out for a Brentford match for the first time since May 6 last year, after his gambling ban came to an end earlier this week.
Toney was appointed captain for the game against Nottingham Forest and needed just 19 minutes to find the back of the net, with a free-kick to draw the Bees level after Danilo had given the visitors the lead.
He received a special welcome before the match, as Toney was given WWE-style access to the theme music of legendary wrestler The Undertaker.
The lights went down in the stadium and after the atmospheric music played, Brentford played a video montage for Toney showing some of his previous goals.
Ivan Toney received a special welcome from Brentford ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest
There has been much anticipation for Toney’s return, which comes at a crucial time for the Bees, who have struggled without their talisman of late.
Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more goals in the Premier League than Toney last season, with the Brentford star scoring 20 in the top flight.
There has been speculation about his future at both Arsenal and Chelsea linked to the England international.
However, it would take a huge bid for the Bees – who went into today’s match three points above the relegation zone – to consider selling their prized asset.
He showed his importance to Thomas Frank’s side after scoring a free-kick to bring them level.
Toney drove away in celebration after equalizing for the hosts after Danilo had given Forest a third-minute lead.
He was seen celebrating the goal with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, before raising a T-shirt that read ‘For You, Uncle Brian’.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praised Toney’s comeback to the Premier League, speaking on Sky Sports.
“Not just for Brentford, but for Uncle Brian, king of kings, what a comeback,” Carragher said.
Toney scored on his return to action with his free-kick that leveled Brentford at 1–1
Toney’s first match since May 6 last year comes after an eight-month ban from football