Toney faces trial for alleged nightclub assault in June 2028

Ivan Toney, the England striker, is set to face a trial in June 2028 over allegations of assault. The 30-year-old is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during an incident at a nightclub in central London on December 6 last year. Toney appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where he entered a not guilty plea to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

During a brief hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir expressed regret over the lengthy delay, stating that the crown courts are currently under significant pressure due to a backlog of cases. The provisional trial date was set for June 12, 2028. Toney was released on unconditional bail following the hearing, which lasted approximately five minutes.

The alleged assault occurred at the 100 Wardour Street club, where Toney and Da Silva reportedly confronted each other. Witnesses indicated that the two men squared up before Toney allegedly lunged forward to headbutt Da Silva, followed by a series of punches. The charge against Toney was announced after a Metropolitan Police investigation concluded in late July.

Toney has represented England at the recent World Cup and has made ten international appearances, scoring once. However, he was omitted from the latest squad for the Nations League fixtures. Toney began his career at Northampton before moving to Newcastle and Peterborough, and he joined Brentford in 2020, netting 72 goals in four years before transferring to Al-Ahli in 2024.

via Sky Sports