Ivan Toney to face trial over alleged assault at Soho nightclub

England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident at a central London nightclub, it was reported. The 30-year-old footballer, from Northampton, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to answer accusations that he headbutted and punched a man named Saber Da Silva at 100 Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December.

Court Appearance at Westminster Magistrates

Toney arrived at court shortly after 09:30 BST, flanked by three members of his entourage. Wearing a black top over a shirt and tie, the forward confirmed his name and age during the brief 10-minute hearing. Prosecutor Tom Heslop detailed that the altercation occurred during a confrontation inside the venue where the two men allegedly “squared up to each other” before Toney supposedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches”.

District Judge Briony Clarke informed the defendant that the case was suitable for trial within the magistrates’ court system. However, Toney elected to take his case to a Crown Court trial in front of a judge and jury. Consequently, the magistrate freed him on unconditional bail until his next scheduled appearance at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.

Ivan Toney Seeks to Clear His Name in Court

The criminal proceedings follow a formal investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police, with the charge officially announced in late July. Responding to the development, a representative for the player released a statement noting: Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.

On the international stage, Toney has earned 10 caps for the England national team and featured in the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, as well as representing his country at this summer’s World Cup. He ultimately missed selection for the subsequent squad called up for the country’s UEFA Nations League fixtures. Domestically, his career path spans several English clubs including Northampton Town, Wigan Athletic, and Peterborough United. He secured a move to Brentford in 2020, scoring 72 goals across four years with the Bees before making a surprise transfer switch in 2024 to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.