England forward Ivan Toney appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday to plead not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm stemming from a December 6 incident at a nightclub in Soho, central London. Toney, 30, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva. He arrived at court shortly after 9:30am, accompanied by three members of his entourage, and confirmed his name and age before entering his plea.
The case follows an investigation by London's Metropolitan Police, with the charge announced in late July. Toney's spokesperson 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 was released on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 29. He represented England at this summer's World Cup and has earned 10 international caps with one goal, though he was omitted from the latest squad for the Nations League ties.
Toney began his career at Northampton Town and previously played for Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before joining Brentford in 2020. He scored 72 goals in four seasons with the Bees before moving to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in 2024.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing