England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man at a central London nightclub.
The 30-year-old, who is from Northampton, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva at a nightclub in Wardour Street, Soho, on 6 December last year. Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Toney confirmed his name and age and entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
District Judge Briony Clarke told the hearing that the case could be tried in the magistrates’ court, but Toney elected for a Crown Court trial in front of a judge and jury. He was released on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.
Toney began his football career with his hometown club, Northampton Town, and went on to play for sides including Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in 2020. He currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
At international level, he has won 10 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final.