Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge, Set for Crown Court Hearing
Ivan Toney has entered a not-guilty plea to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm and will face a Crown Court hearing later this month.
The 30-year-old Al Ahli striker appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he confirmed his identity in the dock before denying the allegation. He was released on unconditional bail and is due at Southwark Crown Court on October 29 after opting for trial before a judge and jury.
Allegation relates to Soho incident
The charge follows a Metropolitan Police investigation into an alleged incident at 100 Wardour Street in Soho on December 6, 2025.
Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court that Toney and complainant Saber Da Silva confronted one another before Toney allegedly moved forward, headbutted Da Silva and then threw several punches.
District Judge Briony Clarke said the matter could have remained in the magistrates’ court, but Toney elected to have the case heard at the Crown Court.
Toney arrived shortly after 9:30am with three members of his party, wearing a black top over a shirt and tie. The hearing lasted around 10 minutes.
Toney intends to contest charge
A representative for the forward said Toney recognises that he has been charged, is shocked by the situation and wants the opportunity to clear his name in court.
With no bail restrictions imposed, Toney can continue his playing commitments for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli while the criminal case progresses.
England and club background
Toney was included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad and has scored once across 10 international appearances. He was not selected for the first four Nations League matches in the latest squad cycle.
The striker began his career at Northampton Town before spells with Newcastle United and Peterborough United. He joined Brentford in 2020 and scored 72 goals during four productive years with the Bees before moving to Al Ahli in 2024.
