Ivan Toney denies Soho nightclub assault

England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not blameworthy to assaulting another man at a central London nightclub. The 30‑year‑old, who hails from Northampton, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva inside a venue on Wardour Street, Soho, on 6 December. At Westminster Magistrates’ Court Toney confirmed his name and age, and entered a plea of not blameworthy to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. District Judge Briony Clarke noted that the matter could be dealt with in the magistrates’ court, but Toney elected for Crown Court proceedings ahead of justice and a jury. He was released on unconditional bail, with a further hearing set for Southwark Crown Court on 29 October. Toney has earned ten caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. His club career began at Northampton Town, followed by spells at Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before he signed for Brentford in 2020. He currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al‑Ahli.