Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to Soho nightclub assault charge and elects Crown Court trial

England striker Ivan Toney pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm over an alleged incident at a Soho nightclub on 6 December 2025.

The 30-year-old Al-Ahli striker stood in the dock to confirm his name and age and denied the charge, which relates to an alleged confrontation with Saber Da Silva at the 100 Wardour Street club in Soho.

The court was told the two men “squared up to each other” before Toney allegedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches”, according to prosecutor Tom Heslop. Toney arrived at court shortly after 9.30am and the hearing lasted about 10 minutes.

District Judge Briony Clarke said the case could be tried in the magistrates’ court, but Toney elected for a Crown Court trial in front of a judge and jury. He was freed on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.

Toney was charged on 31 July following a Metropolitan Police investigation. His spokesperson has said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

Sources

• The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/ivan-toney-pleads-not-guilty-assault-london-nightclub-vswvkg7jt
• PA via Oldham Times: https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/national/26597211.footballer-ivan-toney-pleads-not-guilty-soho-nightclub-assault-charge/
• The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/40478488/england-star-ivan-toney-court-assault-brawl-nightclub/