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Ivan Toney given a special welcome back as he returns after end of 8-month ban

  /  autty

Ivan Toney was given a WWE-style entrance as he made his big return for Brentford following an eight-month ban from football.

The 27-year-old striker stepped out for a Brentford match for the first time since May 6 last year, after his gambling ban came to an end earlier this week.

Toney was named as captain for the clash with Nottingham Forest and took just 19 minutes to find the back of the net, with a free-kick to pull the Bees level after Danilo puts the visitors ahead.

Before the match he was given a special welcome back, as Toney got a WWE-style entrance to the theme music of legendary wrestler The Undertaker.

The lights in the stadium went out and after the atmospheric music played, Brentford played a video montage for Toney in which they showed off some of his past goals.

There has been a lot of anticipation for Toney's return, which comes at crucial time for the Bees who have struggled recently without their talisman.

Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more goals in the Premier League than Toney last season - with the Brentford star netting 20 in the top-flight.

There has been speculation over his future with both Arsenal and Chelsea linked with the England international.

However, it would take a huge offer for the Bees - who went into today's match three points above the relegation zone - to consider selling their prized asset.

He showed his importance to Thomas Frank's side after scoring a free-kick to pull them level.

Toney wheeled away in celebration after levelling for the hosts after Danilo gave Forest a third minute lead.

He was seen celebrating the goal with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, before raising a t-shirt reading 'For You, Uncle Brian'.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, hailed Toney's comeback to Premier League action.

'Not just for Brentford but for Uncle Brian as well, king of kings what a comeback,' Carragher said.

The forward was sanctioned last May for breaching FA regulations over gambling, with his ban ending earlier this week.

Toney had been limited to training sessions, behind closed doors and in-house games since September.

The 27-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League games last season, was handed the captaincy by Frank on his return to the side.

Related: Brentford