England striker Ivan Toney has denied assaulting a man at a Soho nightclub as he appeared in court to face the charge for the first time.

The 30-year-old footballer, from Northampton, is accused of headbutting and punching Saber Da Silva during a confrontation at a nightclub in Wardour Street, central London, on December 6 last year.

Toney stood in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning to confirm his name and age, and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the 10-minute hearing the alleged assault happened at the 100 Wardour Street club during a “confrontation” between Toney and Mr Da Silva.

It is said the two men “squared up to each other”, before Toney allegedly “lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches”.

District Judge Briony Clarke said the case could be tried in the magistrates court, but Toney elected for a Crown Court trial in front of judge and jury.

He was freed on unconditional bail until a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.Toney, wearing a black top over a shirt and tie, was accompanied by three members of his entourage as he arrived at court shortly after 9.30am.

The criminal case came after a Metropolitan Police investigation and the charge was announced in late July.

In a statement, his spokesperson said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

Toney represented England at this summer’s World Cup and has 10 international appearances and one goal.

He missed out on the latest squad for the country’s Nations League ties.

Toney started his football career with Northampton Town and played for teams including Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in 2020.

He scored 72 goals during four years with the Bees before making a surprise switch in 2024 to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.