United fan sacked on his first day for pic with City star

A MANCHESTER United fan says he lost his job on his first day after breaking coronavirus restrictions to get a selfie - with Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.

Groundworker Craig Willis, 37, says he was sacked after asking the star for a photo - within hours of starting at a site in Macclesfield.

He had been hired by an agency to look after paving at a luxury apartment complex but failed to follow strict coronavirus rules.

Dad-of-five Craig said he spotted the Algerian winger, 29, while he was being shown around and approached him for a snap.

He says Mahrez seemed happy to pose with him, even giving him a fist bump afterwards.

But Craig said he was called by his supervisor while on the way home on Monday and told not to return the next day.

He had signed a form which made it clear that getting within two metres of anyone on the site was cause for instant dismissal.

He said: “Mahrez seemed pretty cool with it. I asked and he said: ‘ Yes, no problem’.

“I had the photo, had a fist bump - then got the call on the way home.

“I took the selfie for my best mate - he’s a Manchester City fan. I support Manchester United. But it’s not everyday you see someone like that.”

Craig said he returned to the site the following day to pick up his tools - when his sacking was confirmed.

He added: “Thinking about it, [two metres] is a rule, isn’t it? If I’ve signed something then fair enough. You can’t tell lies. I didn’t think about it.

“I’ve broken the rules. But it wasn’t explained properly. That’s the only thing I can say about it.

“And I did ask him. I was working and he walked past. I said:

‘Are you alright for a photo?’. He then came towards me.”

Craig was contracted to work for Pavetec.

A spokesman for the company declined to comment.

The site is being developed by the PJ Livesey Group.

A spokeswoman said: “The safety and security of everyone on our sites is of paramount importance at all times and the rules on this are very clear.”

There is no suggestion that

Mahrez complained or was involved in the decision.