Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to assault over London nightclub incident
England striker Ivan Toney pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over a December 2025 incident in Soho.
Hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court
England international striker Ivan Toney appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on 1 October 2026 to answer a criminal charge. The 30-year-old professional footballer, who comes from Northampton, entered a formal plea of not guilty to a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Toney stood in the dock to confirm his identity and age during the court proceedings, which lasted approximately 10 minutes. He arrived at the central London courthouse dressed in a black top worn over a shirt and tie, accompanied by three members of his personal entourage. The appearance represents his initial court session since prosecutors formally filed the assault charge against him.
Nightclub confrontation on Wardour Street
The criminal charge against Toney arises from an incident that took place late last year in the Soho entertainment district of central London. Prosecutor Tom Heslop presented the background of the allegations, explaining that an incident occurred on 6 December 2025 at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub. During what the prosecution described as a confrontation inside the venue, Toney is accused of carrying out a physical attack on a man named Saber Da Silva. Prosecutors allege that Toney headbutted and punched Da Silva during the altercation inside the premises. The footballer previously indicated surprise at the decision by authorities to bring formal assault charges against him over the encounter.
A spokesperson representing the footballer released a statement addressing the formal assault charge and outlining his stance.
Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.
Transfer to Southwark Crown Court
During the morning hearing, District Judge Briony Clarke told the courtroom that the assault case was capable of being tried directly within the magistrates' court. Toney opted not to proceed in the lower court, however, and elected instead to have the case tried in front of a judge and jury at the Crown Court level. Following his election for a jury trial, District Judge Clarke granted the footballer unconditional bail until his next required court appearance. The proceedings were transferred to Southwark Crown Court in London, where the next hearing in the case is scheduled for 29 October 2026.
- Alleged altercation takes place at 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho
- Toney enters not guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court and elects Crown Court jury trial
- Preliminary court hearing scheduled at Southwark Crown Court
Club career in Saudi Arabia and England record
The ongoing legal proceedings follow Toney's professional club career in the Saudi Pro League, where he currently plays as a forward for Al-Ahli following his transfer from Premier League club Brentford. At international level, the striker has made 10 senior appearances for England and has scored one goal for his country. Toney was named by England manager Thomas Tuchel in the national squad for the 2026 World Cup tournament, although he was little used on the pitch throughout the competition. Following that international tournament, Toney was left out of England's squad selection for the latest round of Nations League fixtures.
