Brentford's Toney banned 8 months for betting violations

Brentford forward Ivan Toney was suspended for eight months and fined £50,000 with immediate effect for breaching betting rules, the Football Association announced Wednesday.

The 27-year-old confessed to 232 breaches after initially being charged with 262 betting violations by the English football governing body late last year. The infractions took place between Feb. 25, 2017, and Jan. 23, 2021.

Toney was also "warned as to his future conduct for breaches" of the FA’s betting rules.

"I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next eight months," Toney said on Twitter.

"The written reasons for the commission's decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC, and our fans for their continued support through what has been a very difficult time.

"I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season."

The England international won't be eligible to play until after Jan. 16, 2024. However, he'll be permitted to train with his club four months before the suspension is lifted.

"Brentford FC is currently awaiting the publication of the written reasons of the independent regulatory commission. We will review them before considering our next steps," his club said in a statement.

Toney was initially charged in November before further charges were brought forward a month later. He was given until early January to provide a response, which was leaked to the press after reports surfaced in March about a lengthy suspension.

But even the British media's reports of a six-month ban turned out to be lighter than the eight-month suspension handed down Wednesday.

Toney, who made his debut for Gareth Southgate's England squad in March, scored 20 times and added five assists in 33 Premier League appearances this season.