England and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to causing actual bodily harm following an incident at a central London nightclub. The 30-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court for the first time since being charged over the alleged assault.
Charge and court appearance
Toney was charged on July 31 in relation to the alleged assault on December 6, 2025, on Wardour Street, London. He was originally due to appear in court on September 24, but the hearing was delayed for a week after a request was received on September 23.
The alleged incident involved a nightclub security guard in Soho, central London. Toney has now formally entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
Response to the charge
When news of the criminal case first emerged, Toney intended to contest the charge. A spokesperson for the Al-Ahli forward said in a statement: "Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court."
England and club form
Toney represented England at the World Cup earlier in the summer and has made 10 appearances for the national team, scoring once. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for the four Nations League matches during the international break, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin among those called up in his absence.
Despite that, the Northampton-born forward has made an impressive start to the season at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist in just seven league matches. Toney now has 82 goals and 18 assists in 103 appearances since joining Al-Ahli from Brentford in 2024.
The former Newcastle and Peterborough front man had established himself as one of the Premier League's most potent goal-scorers before his move to Saudi Arabia, having scored 21 times during the 2022/23 campaign. He is next expected to be in action for Al-Ahli when they travel to Al Fateh on October 9.
