England Striker Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge in London

Footballer Ivan Toney appeared in court to enter a formal plea of not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. According to reports from the Press Association and The Guardian, the 30-year-old striker is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at a venue on Wardour Street in Soho on December 6 last year.

During a five-minute hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir set a provisional trial date for June 12. The judge apologised to the defendant regarding the wait, noting that crown courts are operating under heavy operational pressure and facing a substantial backlog of work. Toney was released on unconditional bail and advised by the court to maintain regular communication with his legal representatives.

Prosecutor Tom Heslop previously outlined the allegations at Westminster Magistrates Court in October, stating that Toney and the complainant exchanged words and squared up to each other before the player allegedly lunged forward, delivered a headbutt, and followed up with several punches. The court was told that the complainant sustained injuries to his nose and fingers during the altercation.

Following the Metropolitan Police decision to charge Toney, a spokesperson for the player released a statement indicating that the footballer acknowledged the charge, felt shocked by it, and looked forward to the opportunity to clear his name in court. Toney was dressed in a black button-up cardigan, white shirt, and tie for his appearance at Southwark Crown Court.

Toney began his professional career with Northampton Town before playing for Newcastle United and Peterborough United. He later gained prominence at Brentford, helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2021 before transferring to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in 2024. He has earned 10 caps for the England national team and represented the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.