Ivan Toney denies nightclub assault as he opts for criminal trial
England forward Ivan Toney, 30, has pleaded not guilty to assault charges stemming from an incident at a central London nightclub on 6 December 2025. The BBC reported the denial on 1 December local time, with Toney opting for a criminal court trial before a judge and jury.
He is accused of head‑butting and punching a man during the altercation. Magistrate Briony Clark noted that the case could have been heard in a magistrates’ court, but Toney chose the higher criminal court route.
Toney previously served an eight‑month suspension from May 2023 for breaching gambling rules, ending on 17 January 2024. He is part of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, having played two matches in the tournament and ten caps overall. Images: Getty