Ivan Toney’s 2028 trial date raises European Championship questions
Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to an alleged nightclub assault in London, with his trial provisionally scheduled for June 2028.
England international Ivan Toney is scheduled to face trial on 12 June 2028 over an alleged assault at a London nightclub, a case that could coincide with his country’s European Championship campaign.
The Al-Ahli striker appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 29 October 2026, where he formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 30-year-old is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at the 100 Wardour Street nightclub in Soho on 6 December 2025. The allegation followed a Metropolitan Police investigation, with the charge announced in July 2026.
Judge apologises over delay
Judge Christopher Hehir apologised to Toney for the lengthy wait before proceedings reach trial, pointing to mounting pressure on the Crown Courts and a substantial backlog of cases.
Toney was granted unconditional bail following the brief hearing and will remain outside custody while awaiting trial.
Potential Euro 2028 complication
The scheduled court date falls just three days after Euro 2028 begins on 9 June. The tournament will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, running until 9 July.
The timing could create a potential scheduling complication should Toney be considered for England’s squad, although his selection and the trial arrangements remain uncertain.
Toney, who previously played for Brentford before joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in 2024, represented England at the 2026 World Cup. He has made 10 international appearances and scored once for his country.
The upcoming proceedings will determine the outcome of the allegation, which Toney denies.
