England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man during an alleged confrontation at a central London nightclub.
The 30-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and denied one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Toney, who is from Northampton and currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva at 100 Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December 2025.
The allegation has not been proved and Toney denies the charge.
Toney elects Crown Court trial
Toney confirmed his name and age before entering his not-guilty plea.
District Judge Briony Clarke ruled that the case was suitable to be heard in the magistrates’ court, but Toney exercised his right to elect a Crown Court trial before a judge and jury.
Prosecutor Tom Heslop alleged that the two men exchanged words before squaring up to one another.
The prosecution claims Toney then lunged forward and headbutted Da Silva before throwing several punches. Da Silva is alleged to have suffered injuries to his nose and fingers.
Toney was released on unconditional bail and ordered to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.
Striker intends to clear his name
Toney was charged on 31 July following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
A spokesperson for the footballer previously said he was shocked by the charge and looked forward to having the opportunity to clear his name in court.
The legal proceedings remain active, with the outcome now set to be determined through the Crown Court process.
From Northampton Town to England
Toney began his professional career with hometown club Northampton Town before joining Newcastle United in 2015.
He had loan spells with Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic before establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer with Peterborough United.
Toney joined Brentford in 2020 and helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League during his first season.
He moved to Al-Ahli in August 2024 for a reported £40million and subsequently helped the Saudi club win its first AFC Champions League Elite title.
The striker has earned 10 England caps and scored once. He was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final and was also selected for the 2026 World Cup, where England finished third.
