GARETH SOUTHGATE hit out at the FA for blocking Ivan Toney from training with Brentford.
The England chief has no issue with the eight-month betting ban Brentford striker Toney was handed.
But Southgate criticised his bosses for stopping Toney going anywhere near his club — which would include physiotherapy — until the final four months of his ban in September.
He said: “Not being allowed to play is one thing but not being allowed to be within the football community, we have to be really careful how we do that.
“He accepted the punishment. What bothers me is we must look after people. He’s injured, what does he do about getting fit?
“How do we give him structure over the next few months so he can be a better person at the end?
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“I don’t like the idea we leave somebody so they aren’t allowed to be part of the football community.
“I don’t think that’s how the best rehabilitation programmes would work.
“I’m not questioning the decision on the ban. I’m thinking about the player and how I help them.”
Toney, handed his Three Lions debut in March, was banned after admitting 232 betting breaches between 2017 and 2021.
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Yet Southgate insists Toney’s Euro 2024 dream is not over — even though he faces a tough battle.
The Three Lions boss, unveiling his squad for next month’s qualifiers, added: “When he comes back, if he plays well we’ll pick him. He is a resilient guy with great character.
“It is not ideal as he is going to miss a large chunk of the season. But there would still be time.”
Southgate said he had spoken to Toney but was unsure if this was allowed.
However, he added: “If it isn’t, they can ban me and not add to his.”
England travel to Malta on June 16 and face North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze earned a first call-up, while Brighton defender Lewis Dunk is included for the first time since 2018.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
