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 attacking Saber Da Silva at a nightclub in Wardour Street, central London, on December 6.

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.

The court was told that during the 'confrontation' that took place at the end of last year, Toney and Da Silva had 'squared up to each other' before the England star was alleged to have 'lunged forward and headbutted the complainant, followed by a few punches.'

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.

He was freed on unconditional bail by District Judge Briony Clark ahead of his next hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.  

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.'

The fracas is alleged by witnesses to have occurred on the heels of a fan asking for a selfie on the evening in question with the former Brentford star. 

Following the 'confrontation', police seized Toney at the venue and after three people were assessed by the London Ambulance Service in situ, one was later taken to hospital.  

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.