England star pleads not guilty to assaulting man in London nightclub

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FT Desk

Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man in a nightclub in Soho.

The 30-year-old, who represented England at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, was back in England on holiday during a break in the Saudi Pro League season when the incident happened last December.

According to The Sun, which published photos and videos from the incident, Toney was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December.

It was alleged that the incident began when a fan approached the footballer for a selfie at 100 Wardour St in Soho, central London, and grabbed him.

Toney is alleged to have reacted by headbutting the man, who was later confirmed to be named Saber Da Silva. One witness said they saw him walk past a table of men before one of them tried to put his hands around the striker’s neck to take a photo. The witness said Toney told the man to “get off” before he was left with blood coming from the bridge of his nose.

The Met Police confirmed at the time: “We were called to Wardour Street at 00:47hrs on Saturday following reports of an assault. The victim was taken to hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of two counts of assault and one count of affray. He has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.”

He was charged by Scotland Yard on 31 July with assault causing actual bodily harm. Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, has now appeared before Westminster magistrates and pleaded not guilty to those charges.

District Judge Briony Clarke said the case could be tried in the magistrates' court, but the footballer elected for a Crown Court trial in front of a judge and jury.

Toney was freed on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 29 October.

Toney began his professional career at Northampton Town before moving through a number of English clubs, including Newcastle United, Barnsley and Brentford.

He established himself as one of the Championship’s leading strikers while with the Bees, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and then becoming a prolific goalscorer in the top flight.

He made his England debut in 2023 and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. In August 2024, he left Brentford to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, where he continued his career overseas.