England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
The 30-year-old footballer, from Northampton, is accused of attacking security guard Saber Da Silva at a nightclub in Wardour Street, central London, on December 6 last year.
Court appearance
Toney stood in the dock on Thursday morning to confirm his name and age and entered his plea. He wore a black top over a shirt and tie and arrived at court shortly after 9.30am, accompanied by three members of his entourage.
The criminal case followed a Metropolitan Police investigation, and the charge was announced in late July.
Response and career
In a statement, his 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 represented England at this summer’s World Cup and has 10 international appearances and one goal. He missed out on the latest squad for the country’s Nations League ties.
He started his football career with Northampton Town and played for teams including Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in 2020. He scored 72 goals during four years with the Bees before making a surprise switch in 2024 to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
