Ivan Toney: Brentford’s Shirt Sponsor Criticised As Fans Accuse Club of Not Supporting Banned Player

• Brentford have unveiled their new jersey for next season with Hollywoodbets retaining sponsorship
• There was admiration from fans over the design but also outrage over the betting company's brand
• Striker Ivan Toney was handed an eight-month suspension for breaching FA betting rules recently

Brentford fans have mixed reactions towards their new home kit for next season - they have applauded the excellent design but not the prominent sponsor details.

The shirt took inspiration from their traditional white and red stripe design with black accents, over black shorts.

However, Brentford fans were unimpressed with Hollywoodbets retaining the primary sponsorship placement at the front of the shirt, with some calling this 'a betrayal'.

Ivan Toney was suspended for eight months for 232 breaches of the English FA's betting rules and will remain out until January 2024, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Premier League clubs agreed to have betting companies as sponsors until the end of the 2025/26 season, when this form of branding will be entirely done away with.

This will be a cold comfort to Brentford fans, who feel having a betting company on their jersey - considering their striker was suspended over betting - is a slap in the face.

Fans react to Brentford’s kit

Fans of the Bees expressed their displeasure on Twitter, following the announcement tweet revealing the new kit for the next few seasons.

@ChiswickAndy tweeted:

"Really disappointed the club has continued with the Hollywood Bets sponsorship. Given the Toney situation, here was an opportunity to take a different path. Was looking forward to getting a Premiership era shirt, but still won’t buy one until there’s a different sponsor."

@Dammit_Jim wrote

"Glad the new kit has finally been revealed but still got the Hollywood Bets sponsor. Not great after the support the club has shown for Toney and the recent news surrounding betting sponsorship in Football."

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Toney promises strong return

Meanwhile, Sports Brief also reported on Toney promising to break his silence 'with no filter' after written reasons for his ban were announced.

It took a while, but he has spoken and promised a big return, explaining he wanted to be a 'different animal' when he finally returned to action.

Ivan Toney’s plan B

Sports Brief also reported on Toney having a 'plan B' to maintain his fitness during his suspension, the first four months of which he will not be able to train with the team.

However, reports have suggested he will join a local rugby team for their preseason as their core fitness training regime is fundamentally similar to that used for football.