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Ivan Toney Wins Bail After Denying Assault Charge

Published

3 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

Ivan Toney assault charge: England striker pleads not guilty over an alleged Soho nightclub incident and is granted unconditional bail

LONDON, October 1, 2026: England striker Ivan Toney, 30, has pleaded not guilty to an assault occasioning actual bodily harm charge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, following an alleged incident at a Soho nightclub on December 6, 2025.

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Toney, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, appeared before District Judge Briony Clarke on Thursday and denied attacking Saber Da Silva during an alleged confrontation at a nightclub on Wardour Street.

The footballer was granted unconditional bail and elected to have the case heard at Crown Court before a judge and jury. Toney is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on October 29.

The case followed a Metropolitan Police investigation into the alleged incident at 100 Wardour Street. Toney was formally charged on July 31 with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Tom Heslop told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that Toney and Da Silva had allegedly “squared up to each other” before Toney was accused of headbutting Da Silva and throwing several punches. Those allegations have not been tested at trial.

Toney has consistently indicated that he intends to contest the allegation. A spokesperson for the striker said he was shocked by the charge but welcomed the opportunity to defend himself in court.

“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 spokesperson said.

The October 29 hearing will move the matter into the Crown Court process, where Toney will face the allegation before a judge and jury. His decision to elect Crown Court trial came after Judge Clarke indicated that the case could be dealt with at magistrates’ court.

The legal development comes against the backdrop of a significant period in Toney’s international career.

The Northampton-born forward was part of England’s squad at the 2026 World Cup and has made 10 senior appearances for the national side, scoring once. He was not included in England’s latest squad for the Nations League fixtures.

Toney’s club career has also taken him through a notable rise in English football. He began with Northampton Town before spells with Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United, then joined Newcastle United as a teenager.

He moved to Brentford in 2020 and became one of the club’s leading forwards during four seasons in west London.

He scored 72 goals for Brentford before moving to Al-Ahli in 2024 in a reported £40 million deal.

The court proceedings add a difficult legal dimension to a career that has already included considerable scrutiny.

In 2023, Toney received an eight-month ban from football after admitting breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules, although that matter is separate from the current criminal proceedings.

For now, the central issue is the allegation before the court. Toney has entered a not-guilty plea, and no finding of guilt has been made.

Also read: Portugal Confirm Leao as New No. 7 After Ronaldo Camp Exit

The next significant step will come at Southwark Crown Court on October 29, when the case is scheduled to return before a judge and jury.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

Published

11 hours ago

October 22, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

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Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

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The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.