Ivan Toney to face trial in 2028 over nightclub assault allegations
England and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assault charges, with his trial set for June 2028.
England international and Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney is set to face trial in 2028 following allegations of assault at a central London nightclub. The 30-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, where he formally entered a not guilty plea regarding an incident that took place on December 6, 2025.
The footballer is accused of headbutting and punching a man named Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at a venue on Wardour Street in Soho. The criminal proceedings follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, with charges officially announced in late July.
Court backlog leads to lengthy delay
During the brief hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir established a provisional trial date of June 12, 2028. Addressing the significant wait, the judge expressed regret regarding the timeline, citing the current state of the judicial system.
"That’s a long way in advance and I’m sorry about that."
Judge Christopher Hehir
"As you may know, the crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure. We have got a massive backlog of work for various reasons."
Judge Christopher Hehir
Toney, who represented England at the 2026 World Cup, was granted unconditional bail following the hearing. The scheduled trial date in June 2028 coincides with the group stages of the men's European Championship, which is set to be held across England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
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