England's Ivan Toney Set for Trial Over Alleged Assault in 2022
The striker faces a court date in June 2028 following an incident at a London nightclub.
Ivan Toney, the England striker, is set to stand trial on June 12, 2028, for an alleged assault that took place at a Soho nightclub in December 2022. This development comes despite Toney's denial of the charges and entry of a not guilty plea, reported by multiple sources 124.
The case against Toney involves claims that he head-butted and punched the victim, resulting in injuries to the nose and fingers. These allegations were detailed by the prosecutor, adding a layer of detail to the incident that has captured public attention 1. However, the timing of the trial has been subject to some dispute. While it is confirmed that Judge Christopher Hehir set the trial date, there is disagreement over whether this was done 20 months after the initial court appearance or due to a backlog of cases in the crown courts 1234.
Toney’s recent performances for England have also been impacted by these legal proceedings. Despite playing in the 2026 World Cup semi-final and third-place playoff match, it is likely that he will not be selected for the upcoming Euro 2028 tournament due to his impending trial 1. Furthermore, if Toney cannot attend the trial, it can proceed in his absence, potentially leading to imprisonment should he be found guilty 1.
The player’s journey through English football has seen him represent Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Peterborough, and Brentford, before making a significant move to Al-Ahli in 2024 for £40 million 234. His career highlights include helping Brentford achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2021, showcasing his importance to the club during that period 1.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Toney’s personal life has seen him navigate the spotlight with grace. His spokesperson noted that while Toney acknowledges the charge, he is eager to clear his name in court 1. This statement reflects both the personal and professional stakes involved in the upcoming trial.
What we know
- - Ivan Toney will face a trial for assault on 12 June 2028. 124
- - Toney denied the assault charge and entered a not guilty plea. 1234
- - Toney played for England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final and third-place playoff match. 1
- - Toney’s manager is unlikely to pick him for Euro 2028 due to his trial. 1
- - If Toney does not attend the trial, it can be conducted in his absence and he could face imprisonment. 1
- - Toney has made 10 international appearances for England and scored one goal. 24
- - Toney’s professional journey includes playing for Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Peterborough, and Brentford before joining Al-Ahli in 2024. 234
- - Toney was not selected for England's Nations League fixtures in late 2026. 1
- - Toney’s spokesperson stated he acknowledged the charge but looked forward to clearing his name in court. 1
- - Toney’s career highlights include helping Brentford gain promotion to the Premier League in 2021. 1
- - Toney moved to Al-Ahli for £40 million in 2024. 1
- - Toney is 30 years old. 3
What remains unclear
- - The exact date when Judge Hehir set the trial date relative to the initial court appearance. 1
Verification report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 64%, weighted across 19 claims from 4 independent outlets.
- likely Ivan Toney will face a trial for assault on 12 June 2028. (72%)
- unverified The assault incident occurred at a Soho nightclub on 6 December 2025. (49%)
- disputed The assault incident occurred at a Soho nightclub on 6 December 2022. (30%)
- confirmed Toney denied the assault charge and entered a not guilty plea. (94%)
- likely Toney played for England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final and third-place playoff match. (72%)
- likely England's manager is unlikely to pick Toney for Euro 2028 due to his trial. (72%)
- likely If Toney does not attend the trial, it can be conducted in his absence and he could face imprisonment. (72%)
- likely The prosecutor described Toney as having head-butted and punched the victim, causing injuries to the nose and fingers. (72%)
- likely Toney has made 10 international appearances for England and scored one goal. (71%)
- likely Judge Christopher Hehir set the trial date due to the backlog of cases in the crown courts. (70%)
- disputed Judge Hehir set the trial date 20 months after the initial court appearance. (30%)
- confirmed Toney's professional journey includes playing for Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Peterborough, and Brentford before joining Al-Ahli in 2024. (85%)
- likely Toney was not selected for England's Nations League fixtures in late 2026. (72%)
- likely Toney's spokesperson stated he acknowledged the charge but looked forward to clearing his name in court. (72%)
- likely Toney's career highlights include helping Brentford gain promotion to the Premier League in 2021. (72%)
- likely Toney moved to Al-Ahli for £40 million in 2024. (72%)
- likely Toney is 30 years old. (71%)
- unverified Toney wore a black button-up cardigan, white shirt, and tie during his court appearance. (51%)
- unverified Toney wore black sunglasses, grey trousers, and a button-up jacket to court. (49%)
Sources
- The Guardian Sport — England’s Ivan Toney to stand trial during Euro 2028 after denying assault charge
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/29/ivan-toney-trial-during-euro-2028-denies-assault-charge - ESPN Soccer — England's Toney to stand trial for alleged assault during Euro 2028
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50316578/ivan-toney-pleads-not-guilty-trial-alleged-assault - Al Jazeera — England and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to club assault
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/29/england-and-al-ahli-striker-ivan-toney-pleads-not-guilty-to-club-assault?traffic_source=rss - Sky Sports — Toney trial date for alleged assault set for 2028
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/13605220/ivan-toney-trial-for-england-striker-over-alleged-assault-is-set-for-june-2028