Ivan Toney denies assaulting man after ‘squaring up’ in nightclub ‘confrontation’
England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty during his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court over a charge of assaulting a man at in a Soho nightclub in December last year
Ivan Toney appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
England striker and former Premier League star Ivan Toney has denied assaulting a man at a Soho nightclub as he appeared in court to face the charge for the first time. The 30-year-old footballer, from Northampton, is accused of attacking Saber Da Silva at a nightclub in Wardour Street, central London, on December 6 last year.
Toney stood in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning (October 1)to confirm his name and age, and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The former Brentford forward, who was wearing a black top over a shirt and tie, was accompanied by three members of his entourage as he arrived at court shortly after 9.30am.
A spokesperson for Toney said the star ‘looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name’(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
During the 10-minute hearing, Prosecutor Tom Heslop said the alleged assault happened at the 100 Wardour Street club during a “confrontation” between Toney and Mr Da Silva.
He alleged the two men “squared up to each other”, before Toney allegedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches”.
District Judge Briony Clarke said the case could be tried in the magistrates court, but Toney elected for a Crown Court trial in front of judge and jury. Toney was freed on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.
Ivan Toney was part of the England team at the World Cup(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
The criminal case came after a Metropolitan Police investigation and the charge was announced in late July.
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.
Toney 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.
