Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Nathan Collins have to be separated after heated argument

Brentford’s Ivan Toney and fellow teammate Nathan Collins have to be separated after getting into heated argument in the draw at Aston Villa.

It was the first game since returning from his suspension earlier this season that Toney was left out of the Bees starting lineup for the trip to Villa Park as he dealt with a muscle issue.

The Bees went into Saturday’s clash without a Premier League win in their last eight, and their poor form looked set to continue when Ollie Watkins put the hosts ahead just before the break.

Ivan Toney and Nathan Collins were going at it following Brentford’s 3-3 draw away at Aston Villa! 😳 pic.twitter.com/ggXFlZ0Z1d

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 6, 2024

Morgan Rogers then made it 2-0 for Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing side after the interval but much to everyone’s surprise, Brentford hit back by turning it around with goals from Mathias Jorgensen, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the space of 10 minutes.

Then Ollie Watkins rescued a point with a late equaliser but the hosts’ top-four hopes suffer a slight setback after blowing a two-goal lead.

Come the final whistle, Toney vented anger, holding up three fingers towards Collins, with Toney wanting the ball played to his feet instead of Collins playing it safe in the closing seconds.

However, Collins disagreed with what Toney had to say and engaged in a tense discussion.

Eventually, manager Thomas Frank intervened by putting his arm around Collins, while Neal Maupay tried to calm down the centre back then reconciled post-match however, with Collins sharing a picture of them via his Instagram story.

Toney had made a run into the box, with Collins having possession deep into stoppage time, but the defender chose not to play the pass instead holding onto the ball to secure the draw instead of pushing for a very late winner.

Aston Villa: Martinez (6), Konsa (6), Carlos (6), Torres (5), Digne (6), Luiz (5), McGinn (7), Bailey (7), Rogers (8), Tielemans (6), Watkins (9).

Subs used: Moreno (5), Chambers, Diaby (5), Zaniolo (5), Duran (5).

Brentford: Flekken (6), Roerslev (5), Zanka (7), Ajer (7), Collins (6), Regulion (9), Janelt (6), Jensen (6), Damsgaard (7), Wissa (8), Mbuemo (8).

Subs used: Maupay (5), Onyeka (4), Toney (5), Lewis-Potter (5), Yarmoliuk (5).

Player of the match: Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery:

“It’s a lot of things. We played fantastic for a half, fantastic. Like we were doing before at home, when we were feeling strong. The first half was good and then in the second we also got the second goal. We were in control of the game.

“Then for 15 minutes, maybe 20 minutes, we lost control completely. It’s not normal. We lost our control, maybe due to the emotions. They scored three goals in 15-minutes, so of course we have to try and keep balance.

“I am very happy with the first half. I am very happy after the third goal, I thought we were pushing for the fourth. Now, I’m a little bit negative because I can’t understand the result. You have to analyse to correct it.

Asked about conceding three goals in 10 minutes, he said: “We weren’t strong and firm to defend those crosses. I have to analyse and take my time with the players to understand why. Try to move on. The balance now is, we have 60 points. We can be happy. We are having a fantastic Premier League season.”

Asked about Villa’s top-four chances, he said: “We want to keep the fourth position but if I have to understand we are not strong enough to keep it, then we can assess. I am not a person who will give up when we are here. We have to be positive and be smart.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank:

“Incredible mentality from the players to come back. I thought first half was very even, we gave nothing away apart from the goal, which irritates me that we didn’t stop the cross and do better from the cross.

“I was a little bit angry at half-time because I felt we could’ve done a little bit more on the ball. Then conceding the second, it was just not good enough.

“The response from the players was fantastic. Big praise for coming back to 3-2.

“It is just one of these seasons where it is so difficult to get over the line. They score from a deflected cross that means it lands perfectly on Ollie Watkins’ head.

“That is a margin that is dropping for them there. If they had not scored I am pretty sure we would have gone on to win.

“I’m a little bit disappointed but overall very pleased with the mentality of the players.”

“I have big belief in these players and in this team. We are building something consistent here. I am happy with the performances and I just want to get over the line and get the win next time.”

Twitter users reacted after Brentford’s Ivan Toney and teammate Nathan Collins have to be separated after heated argument…

@wearelutontown: For Brentford the sooner Ivan Toney leaves the better for them, the way he carries himself like Brentford should be licking his boots. Massive ego and bang average since he’s come back.

@cammy8900: Setting the tone for a transfer out obvs

@Bryant15594: Any serious club stays well clear of Ivan Toney. His behaviour towards Brentford is very unprofessional

@RonnieMehmet: One selfish w@nker this pr!ck

@LadsOnside: They’re calling Toney toxic but they don’t know how much he cares

@Jake_GTFC: The comments he makes about a transfer aren’t great but Toney gets a lot of unfair shit thrown at him. He’s vice captain of that team and rightly dishing out to Collins who couldn’t deal with crosses all game and couldn’t get the ball moving to try and grab the winner late on.

@juan_mbw: I like this from Toney. Shows some actual passion for the club for once.

@jess_dalts: Can’t stand this bloke. Thinks he’s big time when he’s so far from it 🥴

@3tm3tm3tm_: Exactly why he’ll never end up at a top club, talks shite in the media talks shite on the pitch probably talks shite in training as well, who needs it when you got 3 games in a week and you’re on a title charge. What a striker tho it’s a shame he’s a nob

@NUFCIrving1010: Cracking player, but he’s so unlikeable

@BladeWarny: Blaming team mates for letting the club down when he got himself banned for placing accas then faked a gambling addiction then as soon as he came back said he wants a move biggest twat in football this bloke

@CapableOfFlight: He’s so much of a nob that he’s dickhead’d his way out of a move to a top club

@grogan6: I used to like Toney. But he’s a prick isn’t he.

@Wesbwfcagain1: One of the must unlikeable players in recent times him, rat

@fletch2505: Toney pissed of his bet on 4-3 Villa blew his Acca

@17jacksont: People saying he’s “toxic”. He’s just demanding more. Top player and misunderstood.

@rebekkarnold: When Villa are the only one to let you down on your accumulator…

@dannyschof81: ivan toney is so overrated and comes across as such a prick of a man that it is clearly his destiny sign for manchester united.

@Bees1889K: The amount of replies and qrts saying this sums up Ivan as a character – yes, it sums up that he’s frustrated in a game where we could have got 3 points. Why does it have to be a negative about him, it’s passion on the pitch and they’ve clearly sorted it out. Get over it.

@TaylorMod: So toxic this player

@jonloveridge83: Whichever manager and club ends up signing Toney will only be because he’s their least bad option. Surely any manager with a choice avoids him, his commitment to his club and teammates always seems half-hearted

@KatLTFC: This guy is so so toxic.

@Gidge25: The guy is an absolute idiot, constantly talks about leaving the club and has the personality of a mattress, shocking, how can a striker advise a defender on what to do 😅

@J_elijah_nffc: Can’t stand Brentford but I feel for them, hopefully they find a decent replacement because I would be glad to see the back of this arrogant cunt. No matter how good he is on his day, surely can’t play a positive part in that dressing room.

@efcalexx: he’s such a fucking prick toney. cannot wait for his “big move” to be sideways to some other midtable club. maybe nobody wants him and he’s forced to stay.

@RyanH1730: This guy at a big club is a problem in a bad way, he thinks he’s an elite striker wtf, shocking if he goes to a big club after all the gambling charges, other players getting slated for the same reason.