England international footballer Ivan Toney appeared in court on Thursday to deny charges of assault related to an incident at a London nightclub last year. The 30-year-old striker, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Ahli, is accused of headbutting and punching a man named Saber Da Silva during an altercation at the 100 Wardour Street club in Soho on December 6, 2025.

Toney, who began his career at Northampton Town and later gained prominence at Brentford before transferring to Al-Ahli in August 2024, attended Westminster magistrates’ court in person. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and opted for the case to be tried by jury at Southwark Crown Court. The court granted him unconditional bail pending the next hearing scheduled for October 29.

The alleged incident occurred following a confrontation between Toney and Da Silva, according to prosecution statements. Prosecutor Tom Heslop described the situation as a “confrontation” during which the two men “squared up to each other” before Toney allegedly lunged forward, headbutting and punching Da Silva. The victim reportedly suffered injuries to his nose and finger.

Toney was accompanied in court by members of his security team and was excused from providing his address following legal counsel's request. District Judge Briony Clarke informed him that failure to attend the upcoming Crown Court hearing in person could lead to an arrest warrant.

The charge stems from a Metropolitan Police investigation, and Toney was formally charged at the end of July. A spokesperson for the footballer previously stated that he acknowledges the charge and, despite being shocked by the allegations, looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name in court.

In addition to his club career, Toney has made ten appearances for England, including participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad led by manager Thomas Tuchel. He joined the Saudi Pro League club after a notable period with Brentford, where he scored 72 goals in 141 matches.

Toney’s career has included earlier disciplinary issues; in May 2023, he was suspended for eight months and fined £50,000 by the Football Association after admitting violations of betting regulations that occurred between 2017 and 2021.

As proceedings continue, the legal process will determine the outcome of the allegations brought against the footballer.