Ivan Toney’s court hearing puts Al Ahli Saudi clash with Al Shabab in doubt

Ivan Toney could miss Al Ahli Saudi’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Shabab on Friday because he is expected to attend a court hearing in England.

The 30-year-old forward is due to appear at a hearing on Thursday, about 33 hours before Al Ahli Saudi’s match against Al Shabab.

Toney is facing an allegation that he assaulted a man inside a nightclub in London. His hearing is expected to take place in connection with an incident alleged to have happened at a venue on Wardour Street in central London.

Earlier in October, Toney pleaded not guilty to the assault charge. The charge was brought against him on 31 July, according to Sky Sports, and he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The alleged offence is assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

A spokesperson for Toney said several weeks ago: “Ivan acknowledges that he has been charged and, while naturally shocked by the nature of the allegation, he looks forward to the opportunity to prove his innocence before the court.”

It is not yet clear whether Toney will be able to travel with his club for Friday’s fixture, given the timing of the proceedings in England.

Toney represented England at the World Cup this summer. He came on as a substitute against Argentina in the semi-final before starting the third-place play-off against France.

The striker joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli Saudi from Brentford in the summer of 2024 for £40m. He scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for the English club.

Toney had previously missed the first half of the 2023-24 season while serving a suspension for breaches of betting regulations. He returned to action later in the campaign and was selected by England for Euro 2024.