IVAN TONEY PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ASSAULT CHARGE IN LONDON

England striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an alleged incident at a nightclub in central London.

The 30-year-old footballer appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he confirmed his name and age before entering his plea.

Toney is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva at a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho on December 6.

District Judge Briony Clarke ruled that the case could be heard at the magistrates’ court. However, Toney elected to have the matter tried at a Crown Court before a judge and jury.

He was subsequently released on unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.

The allegations against Toney have not been proven in court, and the footballer denies the charge.

Toney has earned 10 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the final of Euro 2024.

He began his professional career with Northampton Town before spells at Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United.

Toney joined Brentford in 2020 and later moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, where he currently plays.