Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to alleged nightclub assault in London

Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to an alleged assault at a London nightclub and has been released on unconditional bail.

The Al-Ahli Saudi striker appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday over an incident said to have taken place at a venue on Wardour Street in Soho last December.

Toney is accused of assaulting a man, named as Saber da Silva, by headbutting and punching him. The alleged incident was said to have caused actual bodily harm.

According to Sky Sports, the England striker confirmed his identity and personal details before formally denying the charge. The case will now continue through the courts rather than ending at the initial stage of proceedings.

Toney attended the hearing wearing a black jacket over a shirt and tie, accompanied by three members of his team. The court heard details of the allegation and the circumstances on which the prosecution case is based.

Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court the alleged assault followed an argument inside the venue. District Judge Briony Clarke indicated that the case could continue at the magistrates’ court, but Toney elected to face trial at the Crown Court before a judge and jury.

Following the hearing, Toney was granted unconditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for 29 October at Southwark Crown Court, when further legal proceedings are expected to take place.

The case comes as Toney continues his career with Al-Ahli Saudi, where he has become one of the club’s leading attacking players. His football career is now running alongside an unresolved legal case.

Toney’s not-guilty plea does not establish that an offence was committed or that he is guilty. The allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and no final ruling has been made.