The key facts
- Toney is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm; he has pleaded not guilty
- Provisional trial date — 12 June 2028, Southwark Crown Court
- The judge explained the long delay by the large backlog in the crown courts
The charge and the defence's position
England national team striker Ivan Toney will stand trial over an alleged assault at a London nightclub, the AFP agency reported. The 30-year-old footballer, who plays for Saudi club Al-Ahli, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva at a club in Soho, central London, last December. On Thursday, Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court and formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Trial date and the state of the courts
The five-minute hearing ended with Judge Christopher Heire setting a provisional trial date of 12 June 2028. 'That is a very long way away, and I am sorry,' Heire said, explaining that the crown courts are operating 'under great pressure' and have accumulated 'an enormous backlog of cases for various reasons.' After the hearing, Toney was released on unconditional bail. According to figures given at an earlier hearing, the alleged assault took place at the 100 Wardour Street club during a confrontation between the footballer and Da Silva: the men 'came face to face,' after which Toney allegedly 'lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by several punches.'
The footballer's career
Former Brentford player Toney has made ten appearances for England and scored one goal. He was part of the squad at the 2026 World Cup but did not make the current Nations League squad.
