Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to alleged Soho nightclub assault

England forward Ivan Toney pleaded not guilty at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over an alleged incident at 100 Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December last year; he elected a crown court trial.

The prosecutor, Tom Heslop, told the court that words were exchanged between the 30-year-old striker and the complainant, Saber Da Silva, before they “squared up” and Toney allegedly “lunged forward and head-butted the complainant, followed by a few punches”. The alleged altercation left Da Silva with injuries to his nose and fingers, the court heard. The 12-minute hearing was conducted by District Judge Briony Clarke, who asked whether Toney wanted the matter dealt with at magistrates or crown court; Toney stood and replied: “Crown court.” Toney was released on unconditional bail but the judge warned that if he does not attend Southwark crown court at 9.30am on the appointed date a warrant could be issued for his arrest. He was charged on 31 July following a Metropolitan police investigation; when the charge was announced a spokesperson for Toney said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

Toney has won 10 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. He plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. These international and club details were noted during reporting of the court appearance.

He was included in the England squad for the World Cup during the summer, coming on as a substitute in the semi-final defeat to Argentina and starting the third-place playoff win against France. Those appearances were cited in background material accompanying the court coverage.

Toney began his career at his hometown club, Northampton, and moved to Newcastle where he made two league appearances before transferring to Peterborough United. After signing for Brentford his goals helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and he went on to establish himself in the top flight. He moved to Al-Ahli in 2024 for £40m.

His trial will be held before a judge and jury at crown court; he must attend Southwark crown court at 9.30am on the appointed date or face the possibility of a warrant being issued.