England striker Ivan Toney pleads not guilty at Westminster court over Soho nightclub assault charge

Court appearance and plea

England striker Ivan Toney appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 1, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). The 30-year-old Al-Ahli forward spoke only to confirm his plea and to elect for the case to be sent to crown court, according to the Press Association report in the Belfast Telegraph, and District Judge Briony Clarke granted him unconditional bail, Inside World Football reported. Toney arrived shortly after 9:30 a.m. flanked by three members of his entourage, wearing a shirt and tie under a dark sweater.

The alleged incident and charging timeline

The charge relates to an incident at a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho, central London, on December 6, 2025, in which Toney is accused of attacking Saber Da Silva. He was arrested the following day and bailed while the Metropolitan Police investigated. Sources differ on when the charge was formally brought: the Independent and the Press Association report it was announced in late July, with the Press Association specifying July 31, while Inside World Football states the charge was brought in August.

Spokesperson's position

After news of the criminal case broke, a spokesperson for Toney 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." The not-guilty plea entered at Westminster Magistrates' Court is consistent with that stated position, with Toney electing to have the case heard at crown court.

Next court date

Toney's next scheduled appearance is at Southwark Crown Court on October 29, 2026, according to Inside World Football.

Career context

Toney, from Northampton, has made 10 international appearances and scored one goal for England. The Press Association reported he represented England at this summer's World Cup, coming on in stoppage time against Argentina and starting the third-place win over France for his 10th cap, but missed out on the latest England squad for four Nations League ties. He began his career at Northampton Town and played for Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in 2020, where he scored 72 goals in 141 games before moving in 2024 to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.