Ivan Toney to stand trial in June 2028 over nightclub assault
Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 12:15 · Archive
England striker Ivan Toney will face trial on 12 June 2028 over an alleged assault at a London nightclub.
England striker Ivan Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday morning for a pre-trial hearing and pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A provisional trial date was set for 12 June 2028 at the same court, with the case expected to last three to four days. This date falls three days into Euro 2028, which will be held in the UK and Ireland, effectively ruling Toney out of the tournament.
The 30-year-old is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho on 6 December 2025. According to evidence heard at an earlier hearing, the two men "squared up to each other" before Toney allegedly "lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches". Toney's defence do not dispute that he caused the injury but claim he acted in self-defence.
Judge Christopher Hehir apologised to Toney for the lengthy delay before trial. He said: "That's a long way in advance and I'm sorry about that. As you may know, the crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure. We have got a massive backlog of work for various reasons." The judge labelled the case "straightforward" and warned Toney that it is a criminal offence not to turn up for the trial.
Toney arrived at court at approximately 9.10am wearing black sunglasses, grey trousers and a black button-up jacket over a white shirt and tie. He was flanked by a six-man entourage. He was released on unconditional bail after the brief five-minute hearing.
The charge was announced on 31 July following a Metropolitan Police investigation. Toney had previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he opted to have his case heard by a jury at the Crown Court. A spokesperson for Toney said at the time: "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, coming on as a substitute against Argentina in the semi-final and starting the third-place playoff victory against France. He has made 10 international appearances and scored one goal. He was not included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the Nations League fixtures at the end of September and early October. The Guardian reports that he plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
How it is being reported
- England’s Ivan Toney to stand trial during Euro 2028 after denying assault chargeStriker’s trial due to begin on 12 June 2028 He has denied assaulting man at Soho nightclub Ivan Toney has in effect been ruled out of Euro 2028 after his trial for assault occasioning actual bodily harm was scheduled for 12 June 2028. Toney appeared at Southwark crown court and stood in the dock to confirm a not guilty plea. The striker is accused of head-butting and punching Saber Da Silva at a Soho nightclub on 6 December last year. Continue reading...The Guardian · 29 Oct, 11:55
- Ivan Toney to face trial over alleged London nightclub attackEngland striker Ivan Toney, 30, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at a nightclub in Wardour Street, central LondonThe Mirror · 29 Oct, 11:20
- England striker Ivan Toney to face trial next year over nightclub assault allegationsAl-Ahli forward accused of headbutting man during incident in Soho last yearThe Independent · 29 Oct, 11:13
- Toney trial date for alleged assault set for 2028England striker Ivan Toney will face trial over an alleged assault at a London nightclub in summer 2028.Sky Sports · 29 Oct, 11:00
- Ivan Toney's trial over assault at exclusive London nightclub will start in 20 MONTHS - putting England star's Euro 2028 prospects at riskToney appeared at Southwark Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday morning and pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.Daily Mail Sport · 29 Oct, 10:56
In this story: Ivan Toney · Saber Da Silva · England · Southwark Crown Court · Metropolitan Police · Soho · 100 Wardour Street
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