England international striker Ivan Toney is scheduled to stand trial in June 2028 over an alleged assault at a nightclub in central London, following a court appearance in which he formally denied the charge against him.
The 30-year-old forward, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, appeared before Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, October 29, 2026, where a provisional trial date of June 12, 2028, was fixed.
Toney is accused of assaulting Saber Da Silva during an incident at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub in the Soho area of London on December 6, 2025.
The footballer entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was subsequently released on unconditional bail while awaiting trial.
The hearing lasted approximately five minutes, with Judge Christopher Hehir expressing regret over the lengthy wait before proceedings could begin.
The judge attributed the delay to mounting pressure on the Crown Courts and a substantial backlog of cases awaiting trial.
What happened at the nightclub?
Details presented during an earlier court hearing alleged that Toney and Da Silva became involved in a confrontation at the London nightclub.
Prosecutors alleged that the pair exchanged words and squared up to each other before Toney allegedly headbutted Da Silva and followed it with several punches.
The allegations formed part of a police investigation into the incident, which resulted in the charge being brought against the England forward.
However, Toney has denied the charge, and the allegations remain unproven. The scheduled trial will provide an opportunity for the court to examine the evidence and determine the case.
Following the charge, a spokesperson for the striker said he was shocked by the development but looked forward to the opportunity to clear his name in court.
Trial date raises questions over Euro 2028
The scheduled trial could also have implications for Toney’s international football commitments, as the date falls during the 2028 European Championship.
The tournament, which will be hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland, is scheduled to begin on June 9, 2028, just three days before Toney’s provisional trial date.
Any potential involvement in the competition would therefore coincide with the court proceedings, although England’s eventual squad selection and the circumstances surrounding the trial remain uncertain.
Toney has made 10 appearances for England, scoring once for the national team. He was part of the country’s 2026 World Cup squad but was absent from the latest Nations League selection.
From Brentford star to Saudi Arabia
Toney rose to prominence during his time at Brentford, where his goalscoring performances helped establish him as one of the notable strikers in English football.
He scored 72 goals during four years with the club before leaving for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2024.
His career has since continued in Saudi Arabia, but the pending criminal case now places him under additional scrutiny as he awaits his day in court.
For now, Toney remains on unconditional bail, with the trial provisionally scheduled for June 12, 2028. The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented before the court.
#IvanToney #FootballNews #EnglandFootball #AlAhli #PremierLeague #SportsNews #FootballUpdates
