Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and will face a jury trial later this month. The former Brentford striker entered his plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Toney, 30, was granted unconditional bail, with his case sent to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing scheduled for 29 October. The charge relates to an alleged incident at a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December 2025, while he was playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The charge was formally brought on 31 July this year.
Through a spokesperson at the time the charge was made, Toney acknowledged the situation. "He acknowledged the charge and, while naturally shocked, looked forward to the chance to clear his name in court," the striker said.
Toney's Brentford legacy
Toney spent four seasons at Brentford after joining from Peterborough United in 2020. His 31 goals in the 2020-21 Championship campaign were instrumental in securing the club's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. In total, he scored 72 goals for the Bees, with 36 coming in the top flight, including a 20-goal Premier League season in 2022-23.
His time in west London was interrupted by an eight-month suspension for betting offences, from which he returned to the Brentford squad in January 2024. Toney also earned 10 caps for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, though he did not feature in the tournament.
Current context for Brentford
The legal proceedings concerning their former star come as Brentford enjoy a strong start to the current Premier League season. Thomas Frank's side are fourth in the standings with nine points from five games, having scored 10 goals. They are on a two-game winning run, with their last result a 3-0 victory over Chelsea. This positive form, which includes a current average of 2.0 goals per game, has been achieved despite a significant injury list that supporters can monitor on the club's injuries page. The team's attacking output is a key part of their early success for the campaign.
Toney's next court appearance is set for 29 October 2026 at Southwark Crown Court.
More detail at Hounslow Herald
