Toney denies assault charge, trial set for June 2028

Ivan Toney pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court and was released on unconditional bail, with a provisional trial date set for June 12, 2028. The charge concerns an alleged confrontation with Saber Da Silva at a Soho nightclub on December 6, 2025. Prosecutors have alleged that Toney headbutted Da Silva and then punched him. The allegation has not been proven, and the case remains before the courts. The trial is scheduled to begin during the group stage of Euro 2028, which is due to be held in the United Kingdom and Ireland. One report said the trial is expected to last three to four days. Its timing could affect Toney’s availability for the tournament, though no decision about his selection has been made. Judge Christopher Hehir set the provisional date and apologised for the wait, citing pressure and a backlog in the Crown Courts. Toney had requested that the case be heard at Crown Court after entering his plea at an earlier hearing. He was warned that failing to attend the trial would be a criminal offence. At an earlier hearing, prosecutors described the encounter as a confrontation in which the two men squared up before Toney...