England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to the alleged assault of a man at a Soho nightclub. The 30-year-old, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday to deny the charge.
Toney, from Northampton, faces a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm linked to an attack at a nightclub on London’s Wardour Street on December 6 last year. The alleged victim is named as Saber Da Silva.
Court appearance
Toney stood in the dock this morning to confirm his name and age, and entered his not guilty plea. He was accompanied by three members of his entourage as he arrived at court shortly after 9.30am, wearing a black top over a shirt and tie.
The criminal case followed a Metropolitan Police investigation, and the charge was announced in late July. A spokesperson for Toney 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.”
Career background
Toney played for England at the World Cup 2026 this summer and at the Euro 2024 championships. He has ten international appearances and one goal. He missed out on the latest squad for the country’s Nations League ties.
Toney started his career with Northampton Town and played for Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before joining Brentford in 2020. He scored 72 goals in four years with the Bees before moving to Al-Ahli in 2024 for a reported £40 million, where he has scored 55 goals in 62 appearances.
