Ivan Toney trial set for June 2028 over alleged Soho nightclub assault

England striker Ivan Toney will stand trial in 2028 accused of assaulting a man at a nightclub in central London. The 30-year-old, from Northampton, pleaded not guilty to attacking Saber Da Silva at a venue on Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December 2025.

The plea was formally entered at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, where a provisional trial date of 12 June 2028 was set for the same court. The criminal case follows a Metropolitan Police investigation, with the charge announced in July.

• Ivan Toney's trial is provisionally listed for 12 June 2028.
• The England striker denies assaulting a man at a Wardour Street club in Soho.
• Judge Christopher Hehir apologised for the delay, citing pressure on the crown courts.
• Toney was released on unconditional bail after Thursday's hearing.
• The trial date falls during the group stages of the men's European Championship.

What Ivan Toney is accused of in the Soho incident

The allegation is that Toney headbutted and punched Da Silva during a confrontation at the 100 Wardour Street club. The incident took place in the early hours of 6 December 2025 and led to a police investigation that concluded with a formal charge announced in July.

Toney has consistently denied involvement in the events described by the prosecution. His not guilty plea was registered during Thursday's session, which also settled the procedural calendar with a trial listed for more than three years away.

Judge apologises for the wait of more than two years

Judge Christopher Hehir addressed the defendant directly to express regret over the time it will take for the case to reach trial. "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," he said.

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 also voiced his "sorry" for a delay that reflects wider pressures on the English justice system, where case backlogs have stretched waiting times over recent years. The hearing was listed provisionally, leaving room for adjustments depending on the court's diary.

What the 12 June 2028 date means for Ivan Toney

The proceedings would coincide with the group stages of the 2028 men's European Championship, a tournament being co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. That makes it one of the central dates in the British football calendar.

Toney, who represented England at this summer's World Cup, was released on unconditional bail after the hearing. His selection for international duty does not depend on this criminal case, but the overlap in dates adds another layer of attention to a process already under scrutiny because of the player's profile.

How the case has unfolded since December 2025

The incident behind the charge dates back to 6 December 2025, when Toney was involved in a confrontation at a Wardour Street venue. The police investigation ran for several months before the charge was announced in July.

Since then the process has moved slowly. Thursday's preliminary hearing concluded without any restrictive measures against the player, who can continue his professional life while waiting for the trial. Southwark Crown Court will also host the main hearing when the case finally reaches that stage.

Frequently asked questions about the Ivan Toney case