Headline: Ivan Toney Enters Not Guilty Plea for Alleged Nightclub Assault in London
England striker Ivan Toney is set to face trial over allegations of assault at a Soho nightclub, scheduled for the summer of 2028.
The 30-year-old footballer stands accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during an incident at a nightclub on Wardour Street, central London, that occurred on December 6 of last year.
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Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, where he formally entered a not guilty plea to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
During a five-minute hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir set a provisional trial date of June 12, 2028, in the same court, apologizing for the significant delay. He noted, “That’s a long way in advance and I’m sorry about that. As you may know, the crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure. We have got a massive backlog of work for various reasons.”
Arriving at court around 9:10 am, Toney wore black sunglasses, grey trousers, and a button-up jacket over a shirt and tie.
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After the short hearing, he was released on unconditional bail.
Details from an earlier hearing revealed that the alleged assault occurred at the 100 Wardour Street club during a confrontation with Mr. Da Silva. Witnesses reported that the two men “squared up to each other” before Toney allegedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches.”
The case follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, with the charge being announced in late July.
Toney, who resides in Northampton, represented England at this summer’s World Cup, making 10 international appearances and scoring one goal.
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He was not selected for the latest squad for England’s Nations League matches.
Toney began his football career with Northampton Town and has played for teams such as Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing with Brentford in 2020. He found the net 72 times during his four-year stint with the Bees before making a surprise transfer to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in 2024.
