England striker Ivan Toney has denied assaulting a man at a nightclub in central London.
The 30-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Toney is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva at a nightclub on Wardour Street, Soho, on December 6.
At Friday’s hearing, Toney confirmed his name and age before entering his plea. District Judge Briony Clarke ruled that the case could be dealt with at the magistrates’ court. Toney, however, elected to have the case heard at the Crown Court before a judge and jury. He was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.
The charge remains an allegation, and Toney has not been convicted. His not-guilty plea means the case will be decided by the court.
Toney has made 10 appearances for England and was included in the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. He began his professional career at Northampton Town before playing for Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United.
After joining Brentford in 2020, Toney established himself as one of the Premier League club’s key attacking players. He later moved to Saudi Arabia and now plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
