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Toney Trial Date Set: Euro 2028 in Doubt
29 Oct
Summary
- Ivan Toney faces trial in June 2028 for alleged assault charges.
- The trial date clashes with the Euro 2028 football tournament.
- A judge apologized for the significant judicial backlog causing the delay.
Ivan Toney, the England striker, is facing a trial for an alleged assault case, with a date finally set for June 12, 2028. This follows a confrontation at a central London venue in December 2025, where Toney allegedly headbutted and punched Saber Da Silva. Toney pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with his defense arguing self-defence.
Judge Christopher Hehir scheduled the provisional trial and apologized for the significant delay, attributing it to a "massive backlog" in the crown courts. The initial charge was brought in July 2026. This lengthy judicial process nearly 20 months after the initial charge was filed, casts a shadow over Toney's international career.
The trial's expected four-day duration directly conflicts with the start of the Euro 2028 tournament, co-hosted by the UK and Ireland, which begins just three days later. Failure to attend the trial is a criminal offense, making Toney unavailable for international selection. The striker, who has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances for Al-Ahli this season, will now focus on his Saudi Pro League campaign.
