After all the talk of Ivan Toney ’s ban being draconian, it is now clear he got off lightly.
If he wants help, let’s hope the enforced absence from the game allows him to get the therapy that addicts need if they are to be reformed. When you go to lengths to conceal your betting habits - as Toney clearly did - then it is clear you have a problem.
It is now down to the striker to address that problem if he wishes to. On his Twitter feed on Friday morning, Toney said he will “speak soon with no filter.”
It will be interesting to hear what he has to say. Perhaps he will point out that gambling and football have become so entwined that it has almost become the norm to have a punt on a match rather than the exception.
And the responsibility for that situation lies with a lot of people, not least the media. You cannot open a paper or turn on a radio or TV show without being encouraged to have a flutter on the footie.
That is not going to change in any significant way. After all, you are urged to have a gamble on the National Lottery with the government’s blessing.
Was Ivan Toney's ban fair? Share your thoughts in the comments below
But the Toney case should bring the role of clubs into even sharper focus. Earlier this year, Premier League clubs agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorships from the front of shirts … from the 2026/27 season.
The clubs will argue that contracts cannot be abruptly shredded but the measure seems little more than a reluctant token gesture. Bear in mind, they are still going to allow betting companies to have their logos on shirt sleeves.
If Premier League clubs are serious about discouraging the sort of gambling that has got Toney into such deep trouble, then they need to sever all ties with bookmaking companies, simple as that.
The Football Association has acted properly in this case, taking into account Toney’s addiction when reducing the length of his suspension.
But if the professional game believes there is a serious gambling problem being promoted by the sport, then Premier League clubs need to take the lead. It has been a great source of income for the clubs … but perhaps the fun has stopped.
