Footballer Ivan Toney to face trial in 2028 over Soho nightclub assault charge

England striker Ivan Toney will face trial at Southwark Crown Court on June 12, 2028, over an alleged assault at a central London nightclub. The 30-year-old footballer formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a five-minute hearing on Thursday. According to ESPN India, Toney arrived at court at around 9.10 a.m. wearing black sunglasses, grey trousers and a button-up jacket over a shirt and tie.

The Allegations

Toney is accused of attacking a man named Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at the 100 Wardour Street club in Soho on December 6, 2025. Court proceedings heard that the two men squared up to each other before the player allegedly lunged forward, headbutted the complainant, and followed up with a few punches. The criminal case follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, and the charge was announced in July.

Court Delay

Judge Christopher Hehir apologized to the defendant during the hearing for the long wait before the trial takes place. He explained that crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure and face a massive backlog of work for various reasons. Following the brief court appearance, Toney was released on unconditional bail.

Context

Court delays and substantial backlogs are a well-documented challenge within the legal system, often pushing trial dates years into the future. Toney's scheduled trial date in June 2028 notably coincides with the group stages of the men's European Championship, which is being jointly hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.