- The award-winning grime artist was present for Ivan Toney’s return
- Stormzy is a self-confessed Man United supporter, but is originally from Croydon
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe should target Thomas Tuchel, he has unfinished business It all starts
British grime artist Stormzy was on hand to witness Ivan Toney’s return to Brentford as the England international made his long-awaited return against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Stormzy – real name Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. – is a self-confessed football fan and turned up at the Gtech Community Stadium to watch the action between the two struggling sides.
The big talking point of the evening was Toney’s return to football after an eight-month ban from football for gambling.
His final appearance prior to Saturday took place on May 6 last year and Toney was given a hero’s welcome as he walked out of the Brentford ground, with Stormzy present in the ground’s executive chairs.
There is no apparent connection between the two, but Toney previously revealed that he listens to the multi-award winning artist to pump himself up before matches.
Award-winning British grime artist Stormzy (left) was on hand to see the return of Ivan Toney’s Brentford
Stormzy joined others in the executive seats at the Gtech Community Stadium as Brentford hosted Nottingham Forest
Toney starred in his return to Brentford after an eight-month gambling ban
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If he did that before taking on Forest, it clearly worked after Toney scored his side’s first goal of the match with a well-executed free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
The musician was seen smiling as cameras showed him enjoying the match being played in front of him.
Toney scored against Forest to claim the man of the match award after his side’s 3-2 win
Stormzy was born an hour’s drive from Brentford in Croydon, but supports Manchester United and has previously worked with the club on marketing appearances and has also been spotted in the stands at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old music artist has forged friendships within football and last year joined former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha in buying a non-league football team.
Stormzy and Zaha poured money into AFC Croydon as part of a three-man consortium.
Toney and his Brentford teammates then secured a crucial 3–2 victory over Forest, moving them further clear of the Premier League relegation zone.