Riyad Mahrez and girlfriend Taylor Ward are surrounded by security as star is confronted

Riyad Mahrez and girlfriend Taylor Ward are surrounded by security as Manchester City star is confronted by stranger outside London restaurant

  • The pair had been dining out at popular Mayfair restaurant Novikov when the altercation took place following their departure
  • Mahrez, who did not appear to be directly involved in the incident, was seen being accosted by a man dressed in a black tracksuit as he left the restaurant
  • 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
  • The appearance comes as Mahrez prepares to claim the Premier League trophy with his club – his third since entering England’s top footballing tier 

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, who did not appear to be directly involved in the brawl, was seen being accosted by a man dressed in a black tracksuit as he left the restaurant – prompting security guards to move in.  

Trouble: 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 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 brawl 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.  

Brawl: The Algerian star, 30, had been dining out at popular Mayfair restaurant Novikov with Ward when the altercation took place following his departure

Brawl: The Algerian star, 30, had been dining out at popular Mayfair restaurant Novikov with Ward when the altercation took place following his departure

Getting involved: Security guards were seen tussling with a man in black as Mahrez and Ward waited nearby

Getting involved: Security guards were seen tussling with a man in black as Mahrez and Ward waited nearby

Getting involved: Security guards were seen tussling with a man in black as Mahrez and Ward waited nearby

Upset: Ward looked visibly shaken as she was ushered to her car while the incident played out

Upset: Ward looked visibly shaken as she was ushered to her car while the incident played out

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.

Confrontation: Mahrez was seen being accosted by a man dressed in a black tracksuit as he left the restaurant - prompting security guards to move in

Confrontation: Mahrez was seen being accosted by a man dressed in a black tracksuit as he left the restaurant – prompting security guards to move in

Let's go: The footballer was promptly surrounded by staff members and security guards while the fracas - of which the cause is yet to be established - was diffused

Let's go: The footballer was promptly surrounded by staff members and security guards while the fracas - of which the cause is yet to be established - was diffused

Let’s go: The footballer was promptly surrounded by staff members and security guards while the fracas – of which the cause is yet to be established – was diffused

Calm down: Security attempted to push the man back as Mahrez (circled) looked on

Calm down: Security attempted to push the man back as Mahrez (circled) looked on 

Make way: The footballer and his girlfriend were shepherded to his car by the concerned security team

Make way: The footballer and his girlfriend were shepherded to his car by the concerned security team

Make way: The footballer and his girlfriend were shepherded to his car by the concerned security team

Watch out: Meanwhile the scuffle continued to play out behind the departing Mahrez

Watch out: Meanwhile the scuffle continued to play out behind the departing Mahrez

‘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. 

MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment. 

Romance: Mahrez and Ward were first romantically linked in July 2020, shortly after his separation from Rita Johal - with whom he shares a five-year old daughter

Romance: Mahrez and Ward were first romantically linked in July 2020, shortly after his separation from Rita Johal – with whom he shares a five-year old daughter

Subdued: The pair waited in silence as they prepared for the journey back to their hotel

Subdued: The pair waited in silence as they prepared for the journey back to their hotel