Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez was ushered to safety on Monday evening after a scuffle broke out while he was leaving a London restaurant with girlfriend Taylor Ward.
The Algerian star, 30, had been dining out at popular Mayfair restaurant Novikov with Ward, the daughter of Real Housewives Of Cheshire cast-member Dawn Ward, when the altercation took place following his departure.
Mahrez was seen being confronted by a man dressed in a black tracksuit as he left the restaurant – prompting security guards to move in.
The pair were promptly surrounded by staff members and security guards while the fracas – of which the cause is yet to be established – was diffused.
Seated in the rear of their waiting car, Ward appeared to be shaken as the scuffle played out just feet away on London’s Berkeley Street.
In accordance with current health and safety guidelines, Mahrez – on course to win the Premier League with City – wore a protective face covering as the couple prepared for the journey back to their hotel.
Ward opted for a smart black outfit for her latest public appearance with the footballer, but her own mask appeared to be missing as she watched security guards calm the scene.
The pair were first romantically linked in July 2020, shortly after his separation from Rita Johal – with whom he shares a five-year old daughter.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Riyad and Taylor get on brilliantly, and initially started hanging out as mates. He thinks she’s gorgeous, and has joined her and her pals for a few group dates.
‘They’ve been friends for a while but Taylor refused to go there romantically until she knew his marriage was over. She is very much a girls’ girl and would never break that code.
‘Taylor is stunning and Riyad’s team-mates have been ribbing him about how he’s been punching above his weight.’
The appearance comes as Mahrez prepares to claim the Premier League trophy with his club – his third since entering England’s top footballing tier with former club Leicester City in 2015.
The footballer has already won the Football League Cup this season following a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
With Manchester City also preparing for a first Champions League final, against Chelsea.
More to follow…