Ivan Toney denies assault charge as trial is set for Euro 2028 group stage

England striker Ivan Toney’s trial on a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm has been scheduled to begin on 12 June 2028, during the group stage of Euro 2028. The Guardian reported that Toney appeared at Southwark crown court on Thursday and confirmed his not-guilty plea. He was released on unconditional bail while awaiting trial.

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The charge concerns an alleged incident involving Saber Da Silva at a nightclub in Soho on 6 December 2025. Toney is accused of head-butting and punching Da Silva. At an earlier hearing at Westminster magistrates court in October, prosecutor Tom Heslop alleged that an exchange of words preceded the confrontation and that Da Silva suffered injuries to his nose and fingers. Toney denies the charge.

Judge Hehir apologised for the length of the wait, explaining that crown courts were under substantial pressure and that Toney was among defendants awaiting trial. The hearing placed the start of the case around 20 months away. Toney had requested a crown court trial after entering his not-guilty plea at the magistrates court earlier this month.

The judge instructed Toney to remain in regular contact with his solicitors during the intervening period. He also gave the formal warning about attending court that applies to defendants on bail awaiting trial. According to the Guardian’s account, the judge explained that failing to attend could constitute a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and that proceedings would likely continue without Toney if he did not appear.

The scheduled date creates a potential conflict with the European Championship, which is due to take place in the UK and Ireland. Toney was in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup, appearing against Argentina in the semi-final and starting the third-place playoff win over France. He was not selected for England’s subsequent Nations League fixtures in late September and early October.

Toney plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, having moved there from Brentford in 2024. The Guardian reported that the Metropolitan police charged him three weeks after the World Cup. Following the announcement of the charge, a spokesperson said Toney was shocked and wanted the opportunity to clear his name in court. The allegation remains contested, with the trial still to come.