Ivan Toney faces court hearing as Al-Ahli prepare for Al-Shabab clash

Ivan Toney is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday as legal proceedings continue over an alleged assault in a London nightclub, with the hearing scheduled around 33 hours before Al-Ahli’s Saudi league match against Al-Shabab.

The 30-year-old England striker is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after allegedly headbutting and punching Saber da Silva inside a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December last year.

The allegation has been reported by the BBC. Toney previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case was sent to the Crown Court after Toney chose to have it heard before a judge and jury. District Judge Briony Clarke said the matter could otherwise have been dealt with at the magistrates’ court.

Details reported by The Times earlier in October said the hearing would begin at 12:30 BST on Thursday. It will take place shortly before Al-Ahli’s meeting with Al-Shabab, which is scheduled for 30 October 2026 at SHG Arena in Riyadh.

The fixture is part of round 12 of the Roshn Saudi League, adding a significant scheduling issue for Al-Ahli as their striker is required to attend court in England.

Toney was released on unconditional bail and is expected to return to court at the appointed time to continue the proceedings. The case remains focused on the allegation arising from the incident in central London, while Al-Ahli prepare for their next league match.