England striker Ivan Toney denies Soho nightclub assault charge
Footballer Ivan Toney pleaded not guilty in court to causing actual bodily harm during an altercation at a London nightclub last December. The case will go before a jury at crown court.
England international Ivan Toney denied a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a brief hearing at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday. He is accused of attacking a member of the public at a Soho nightclub.
According to testimony heard in court, the incident took place on 6 December last year at 100 Wardour Street, a live music venue. The 30-year-old striker and Saber Da Silva reportedly exchanged words that escalated into a physical confrontation. Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court it is unclear what exactly was said, but the two men ended up squaring up to each other before Toney head-butted Da Silva and followed with several punches. Da Silva suffered injuries to his nose and fingers.
The hearing lasted 12 minutes. District Judge Briony Clarke asked Toney whether he wanted his case heard at magistrates or crown court; he chose crown court, meaning his trial will be decided by a judge and jury.
Toney was granted unconditional bail, but the judge warned that failing to appear at the scheduled Southwark crown court hearing could result in an arrest warrant.
He was formally charged on 31 July following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. At the time, a representative for Toney said the player acknowledged the charge and, despite being shocked, looked forward to clearing his name in court.
Toney currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, having joined for £40m in 2024. He has earned 10 England caps, featured in the Euro 2024 final, and was part of the squad at this summer's World Cup, appearing as a substitute in the semi-final loss to Argentina and starting the third-place playoff win over France. He began his career at hometown club Northampton before moving through Newcastle and Peterborough United, then Brentford, where his goals helped secure promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
