England striker Ivan Toney denies assault, trial set for Euro 2028

Ivan Toney, 30, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on October 29, 2026, and formally pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges stem from an alleged incident on December 6, 2025, at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho, London, where Toney is accused of headbutting and punching a man named Saber Da Silva during a confrontation. Judge Christopher Hehir set a provisional trial date of June 12, 2028, apologizing for the delay and citing a significant backlog in England's crown courts.

The trial date creates a scheduling conflict with Euro 2028, the European Championship tournament beginning June 9, 2028, which will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. If the trial proceeds as scheduled, Toney could be unavailable during the group stages of the tournament. The trial is expected to last three to four days. Toney was released on unconditional bail following the brief five-minute hearing.

The case follows a Metropolitan Police investigation that resulted in formal charges announced in late July 2026. According to allegations, the two men "squared up to each other" before Toney allegedly "lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches." The alleged victim sustained injuries to his nose and fingers. Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, represented England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a backup to Harry Kane and has 10 international appearances with one goal. He has not been recalled to the England squad since the charges were announced.