Chronological coverage updated 1st October 2026 10:50.
Update 1 · 1st October 2026
Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty to Soho Nightclub Assault Charge
England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an alleged incident at a Soho nightclub in central London. The 30-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to confirm his identity and formally enter his plea.
The criminal charge relates to an alleged altercation at 100 Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December last year involving complainant Saber Da Silva. Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court that a confrontation occurred where the two men squared up to each other, before Toney allegedly lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by several punches. Additional reports identified the complainant as a venue security guard. Source: The Independent, The Mirror.
District Judge Briony Clarke indicated that the case could be handled within the magistrates' court system, but Toney elected to stand trial before a judge and jury in the Crown Court. He was released on unconditional bail ahead of a scheduled hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October. Source: BBC News.
Toney arrived at court shortly after 9:30am accompanied by three members of his entourage. The legal proceedings follow a Metropolitan Police investigation, with charges formally announced in late July.
The Independent reportedly quoted Spokesperson for Ivan Toney (Official representative for the England footballer) as saying: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”.
Career background and international context
Toney began his senior football career at Northampton Town before representing several clubs including Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United. He joined Brentford in 2020, establishing himself as a key forward over four seasons before making a high-profile transfer to Al-Ahli in 2024.
72 goals scored across four years at Brentford before moving to the Saudi Pro League — according to The Independent.
On the international stage, Toney has earned 10 caps and scored one goal for England. He was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final and represented his country at the summer World Cup, though he was left out of the latest national squad for Nations League fixtures.
- Ivan Toney faces trial at Southwark Crown Court starting October 29 after pleading not guilty to assault.
- The footballer elected for a jury trial rather than having his case decided in the magistrates' court.