Football star Ivan Toney to face trial for nightclub assault in 2028

England striker Ivan Toney will face trial in June 2028 over allegations that he assaulted a man at a nightclub in central London.

The 30-year-old Al-Ahli forward formally pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, October 29. He is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at the 100 Wardour Street club in Soho on December 6, 2025.

Judge Christopher Hehir set a provisional trial date of June 12, 2028, approximately 20 months after the hearing, and apologised to Toney for the delay. “That’s a long way, I’m sorry about that,” the judge said. “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.”

Toney, who wore a black button-up cardigan over a white shirt and tie, was told that he was among defendants waiting for their cases to be heard at crown court. The footballer was released on unconditional bail. Judge Hehir advised him to remain in regular contact with his solicitors while awaiting trial, describing this as “very important” and “a matter of common sense”.

He also gave Toney the formal warning issued to defendants on bail about the consequences of failing to attend court. “It’s a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment,” the judge said, adding that the trial could proceed in his absence if he failed to appear. The scheduled hearing falls during the group stage of Euro 2028, which is due to take place in the UK and Ireland. The timing could affect Toney’s availability for England, although no selection decision has been announced.

The charge followed a Metropolitan Police investigation and was announced in July, three weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Toney was part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the tournament. He appeared as a substitute against Argentina in the semi-final and started the third-place playoff victory over France.

He was not included in Tuchel’s subsequent squad for the Nations League fixtures held at the end of September and beginning of October. At an earlier hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in October, prosecutor Tom Heslop outlined the alleged confrontation.

The court was told that Toney and Da Silva exchanged words before “squaring up” to each other. Heslop alleged that Toney then “lunged forward and head-butted the complainant, followed by a few punches”. Da Silva allegedly sustained injuries to his nose and fingers. Toney pleaded not guilty at that hearing and requested a trial at crown court.

Following the announcement of the charge, a spokesperson for the player said he intended to contest the allegation. “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court,” the spokesperson said.

Toney, who has won 10 England caps, began his career at Northampton before playing for Newcastle United and Peterborough United. He later joined Brentford, where his goals helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2021. He moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a £40 million transfer in 2024. The allegation against him remains to be determined at trial.