England and Al Ahli Forward Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty to Nightclub Assault Charges

Footballer Ivan Toney appeared in court on Thursday, entering a not guilty plea regarding an alleged assault incident at a London nightclub. Toney, 30, currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli and has earned 10 caps for England, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

He faces accusations of attacking Saber Da Silva at a nightclub located on Wardour Street, Soho, central London, on December 6 last year. Standing in the dock, Toney confirmed his name and age before formally denying a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

District Judge Briony Clarke stated that the case could be handled by a magistrate, but Toney chose to have a Crown Court trial before a judge and jury. He received unconditional bail until his next scheduled hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.

Previously, a spokesperson for Toney released a statement noting: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

Toney, who was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer, is currently not included in the squad for the Nations League tournament. He previously made a transfer from Brentford to Al Ahli two years ago in a transaction valued at approximately £40 million.