England striker Ivan Toney will face trial next year over an alleged assault at a London nightclub.
The 30-year-old is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at a nightclub on Wardour Street in central London on December 6 last year.
Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday morning and formally entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
During the five-minute hearing, a provisional trial date was set for the same court on June 12, 2028, by Judge Christopher Hehir, who acknowledged the lengthy delay to the defendant.
“That’s a long way in advance and I’m sorry about that,” the judge said. “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.”
Toney arrived at court at around 9.10am wearing black sunglasses, grey trousers and a button-up jacket over a shirt and tie.
He was released on unconditional bail following the brief hearing.
Prosecutors previously detailed that the alleged incident occurred at the 100 Wardour Street club during a confrontation between the defendant and Mr. Da Silva. Court documents state the two men “_squared up to each other” before Toney allegedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches.”
The criminal charges stem from a Metropolitan Police investigation, with the formal announcement made in late July.
Toney represented England at this summer’s World Cup and has earned 10 international caps, scoring one goal for his country. He was notably absent from the latest England squad announced for the Nations League fixtures.
Having begun his professional career with Northampton, Toney progressed through spells at Newcastle and Peterborough before joining Brentford in 2020. During his four-year tenure with the Bees, he scored 72 goals before making a surprise move in 2024 to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
