Ivan Toney's Rule-Bending Tactic Sparks Goal in Impressive Return to Football after Ban

Ivan Toney has revealed the strategic move that allowed him to make a triumphant return to football after serving an eight-month ban. The Brentford striker, suspended since April 2023 due to 262 breaches of the FA’s rules on gambling in football, marked his comeback with a goal in just 19 minutes during Brentford’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Toney’s goal came from a first-half free-kick, where he subtly adjusted the ball’s position to the right, providing him with a clearer line of sight to the goal. Criticized by some fans for his past behavior, the 27-year-old’s tactical maneuver proved successful as his shot beat Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner.

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Toney explained, “I practice free-kicks in training. Everyone batters me because most of them end up in the car park, but when it matters, I deliver so it’s all good. I think you have a yard either way (to move the ball), so I just moved the ball and bent it around the corner.”

Neal Maupay’s 68th-minute winner sealed a perfect return for Toney, who expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It was a long time coming. I manifested this win when I was at home during the time I was out, I am here now and buzzing to be back scoring goals and winning with the team. I 100 per cent knew this would happen again. I manifest things like this.”

However, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo raised concerns about the goal, stating, “It is ball displacement, so VAR should intervene. Every action that leads to a goal VAR checks, and that situation led to a goal. Clear? Do you agree with me?” Nuno emphasized the need to address such situations, indicating frustration with the inability to review ball displacement incidents.

Despite the controversy, Toney expressed gratitude for his return, stating, “I’m grateful to be back playing with the lads, I’ve missed it so much. The fans, everyone… Yeah, I’m back, I’m back.”