England international striker Ivan Toney is scheduled to appear before Southwark Crown Court for a trial on 12 June 2028 after being accused of assaulting a man in a Soho nightclub last December.
During a five‑minute hearing on Thursday, the 30‑year‑old, who currently plays for Saudi club [Al‑Ahli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al- AhliSaudiFootball_Club), formally entered a not‑guilty plea to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge Christopher Hehir set the provisional trial date and said, “That’s a long way in advance and I’m sorry about that,” adding that crown courts are under “a massive backlog of work for various reasons.”
The alleged incident is said to have taken place at the 100 Wardour Street venue in central London. According to the prosecution, Toney and the complainant, identified as Saber Da Silva, “squared up to each other,” after which Toney allegedly lunged forward, head‑butted Da Silva and delivered a series of punches.
Following the brief hearing, Toney was released on unconditional bail. The former Brentford forward has earned ten caps for England, scoring once, and was a member of the squad for the 2026 World Cup, although he was omitted from the latest Nations League roster.
What did the judge say?
Judge Hehir expressed regret over the lengthy delay, noting the pressures on the court system and assuring the defendant that the scheduling was unavoidable given the current backlog.
The case adds to a series of legal challenges faced by high‑profile footballers in recent years, highlighting the scrutiny placed on athletes both on and off the pitch.