Ivan Toney pleads not guilty after alleged Soho nightclub assault

Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli) has pleaded not guilty to assault over an alleged incident at a Soho nightclub. Prosecutors say that on 6 December last year, he head-butted and then punched a member of the public, leaving injuries, and the England forward entered the plea of “not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm” at Westminster magistrates’ court.

The court heard that at 100 Wardour Street, a live music venue, words were exchanged between Toney and Saber Da Silva. The prosecutor, Tom Heslop, said it was not known what was said, but the confrontation led to both men “squaring up” before Toney “lunged forward” and head-butted the complainant, followed by “a few punches”. Da Silva, it was alleged, suffered injuries to his nose and fingers.

In a hearing that lasted 12 minutes, District Judge Briony Clarke asked whether Toney wanted the case heard in the magistrates’ court or in crown court; Toney stood and replied: “Crown court.” He was released on unconditional bail, but was warned that if he does not attend Southwark crown court at 9.30am on the appointed date, a warrant could be issued.

The charge was brought on 31 July following a Metropolitan police investigation. When it was announced, a spokesperson for Toney 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.”