Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after being accused of head-butting and punching a member of the public at a Soho nightclub.
The England forward appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday, standing in the dock to confirm his name and date of birth before entering his plea. He was released on unconditional bail, but the District Judge, Briony Clarke, warned him that a warrant could be issued for his arrest if he fails to attend Southwark crown court at 9.30am on the appointed date.
In a hearing that lasted 12 minutes, Judge Clarke asked the 30-year-old whether he wanted the case heard at magistrates or crown court. Toney stood and replied: “Crown court.” His trial will take place before a judge and jury.
The court heard that on 6 December last year, words were exchanged between Toney and Saber Da Silva at 100 Wardour Street, a live music venue. The prosecutor, Tom Heslop, said it was not known what was said between the two men, but that the exchange resulted in them “squaring up” to one another before Toney “lunged forward and head-butted the complainant, followed by a few punches”. The altercation left Da Silva with injuries to his nose and fingers, it was alleged.
Toney was charged on 31 July following a Metropolitan police investigation. When the charge was announced, a spokesperson for the player said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”
Toney has won 10 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. He plays for the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and was included in the England squad for the World Cup during the summer, coming on as a substitute in the semi-final defeat to Argentina and starting the third-place playoff win against France.
He started his career at his home town club, Northampton, and moved to Newcastle, where he made two league appearances before joining Peterborough United. After signing for Brentford, Toney’s goals helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2021, where he established himself as one of the top-flight’s leading forwards. He moved to Al-Ahli in 2024 for £40m.