Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge Over Alleged London Nightclub Incident

England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an alleged incident at a nightclub in central London.

The 30-year-old footballer appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he confirmed his name and age before entering his plea.

Toney is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during an alleged altercation at a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho on December 6.

District Judge Briony Clarke said the case could be dealt with at the magistrates’ court. Toney, however, elected to have the matter heard at a Crown Court before a judge and jury.

The Al-Ahli striker was subsequently released on unconditional bail and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.

Toney denies the charge, and the allegations against him have not been established in court. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system before a Crown Court hearing.

The England international has won 10 senior caps for the national team and was part of the squad that reached the final of Euro 2024.

Toney began his professional career with Northampton Town before spells at Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United. He joined Brentford in 2020 before moving to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, where he currently plays.