Toney pleads not guilty to assault charge

England forward Ivan Toney appeared in a London court on Thursday to plead not guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm over an incident at a nightclub in central London last December.

Toney stood in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court to confirm his name and age, and issue his not guilty plea to an incicient that happended on December 6 at a Soho club, where he is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva.

The 30-year-old, wearing a black top over a shirt and tie, was accompanied by three members of his entourage as he arrived at court shortly after 9.30am.

The criminal case came after an investigation by London's Metropolitan Police and the charge was announced in late July.

In a statement, his spokesperson said: "Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court."

He was freed on unconditional bail until a hearing in front of a judge and jury at London's Southwark Crown Court on October 29.

Toney represented England at this summer's World Cup and has 10 international appearances and one goal, but missed out on the latest squad for the country's Nations League ties.

Toney started his football career with Northampton Town and played for teams including Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in 2020.

He scored 72 goals during four years with the Bees before making a surprise switch in 2024 to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.