Man receives three-year football ban & suspended jail sentence for racially abusing Ivan Toney in landmark ruling

A man who racially abused Brentford striker Ivan Toney has received a three-year ban from football.

Antonio Neill cannot enter into any football stadium in England for three years after pleading guilty to racially abusing Toney on social media.

The 24-year-old has also received a four-month suspended jail sentence.

Toney shared a screenshot of the man’s message on social media months ago. Neill used racist language towards the striker after he scored twice against Brighton & Hove Albion in a 2-0 win last year.

After the images appeared, Northumbria Police and the Metropolitan Police launched a full investigation.

Superintendent Scott Cowie, hate crime lead for Northumbria Police, said via Brentford’s website: “Discrimination has absolutely no place in any society, whether out in our communities or online.

“I am therefore delighted that the seriousness of Neill’s offence has been reflected with this banning order, which forbids him from attending any regulated football in the United Kingdom.

“We hope this reinforces our commitment to taking action against anybody who commits a hate crime. It will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to put perpetrators before the courts.

“I would like to thank everyone who played their part in this particular case, including the team of officers who worked tirelessly to secure justice as well as our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, the UK Football Policing Unit and the Premier League.”

This ruling is the first under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Neil cannot attend any game in Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and National League.

He cannot attend any home game to watch the English national team.

Brentford expressed their happiness at the ruling. They reiterated that Toney has been subject to many vile situations like this and want more action taken against perpetrators.