England striker Ivan Toney will stand trial in 2028 following allegations that he assaulted a man at a central London nightclub. According to BBC News, the 30-year-old footballer from Northampton entered a formal not guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, with his trial provisionally scheduled to begin on 12 June 2028 at the same venue.
Toney is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during an altercation at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho on 6 December 2025. The Metropolitan Police investigation led to the charge being announced in July 2026. Judge Christopher Hehir expressed sympathy for the defendant regarding the extended wait, stating:
"As you may know, the crown courts are operating under a great deal of pressure. We have got a massive backlog of work for various reasons."The judge added that he was
"sorry"about the delay in commencing proceedings.
The footballer, who represented England at the 2026 World Cup, was released on unconditional bail following Thursday's hearing at Southwark Crown Court.
Background to the Case
The assault allegation emerged from an incident at the Soho nightclub in December 2025. Toney was charged with assault in August 2026 and subsequently appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in September that year. He maintained his not guilty plea when the case progressed, setting the stage for the forthcoming trial.
What Happens Next?
The trial is scheduled to take place at Southwark Crown Court beginning on 12 June 2028. Toney remains free on unconditional bail pending the proceedings. The extended timeline reflects the significant backlog currently affecting England's crown court system, as acknowledged by the presiding judge during Thursday's hearing.
