10 months ago
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January 17 has had a big red ring around it in Ivan Toney’s calendar for a very long time.
The Brentford striker’s ban from football has finally expired, and he celebrated accordingly.
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Posting on Twitter, he simply shared a GIF of American comedian Dave Chappelle leaving work and shouting ‘FREE!’
Toney’s 136,000 followers loved the message, including Arsenal legend Ian Wright who was quick to repost it.
The England striker hasn’t featured at all this season after he was found in breach of FA betting rules.
An eight-month ban and £50,000 fine came after a stunning 20-goal Premier League season in 2022/23, massively raising anticipation for Toney’s return.
The 27-year-old was able to return to training on September 18, and is now ready to be unleashed against Nottingham Forest in Brentford’s next match.
The Bees host Forest on January 20, and all eyes will be on Toney, with much at stake.
Thomas Frank’s side are currently in the worst form in the Premier League, with five straight defeats shining a light on an injury-depleted squad.
Toney will be heavily relied upon to get his side back firing, and if he does so, there will certainly be talk about a return to England’s squad for Euro 2024.
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On top of that, Toney and Brentford regularly have to contend with transfer rumours, with his contract expiring in 2025, a move in the summer could be likely.
Arsenal and Chelsea have both regularly been linked with the Northampton-born star, but talk over a January deal has evaporated with both the striker and the Bees playing down any chance of an early departure.
