A red-faced Man United fan lost his job the first day after breaking Covid-19’s restrictions – to take a selfie with Man City star Riyad Mahrez.
Groundworker Craig Willis said he received his boss orders after asking the photo for a photo within hours of starting his new position.
He had been hired by an agency to work in a luxury apartment complex, but did not follow the strict rules of the coronavirus.
Craig, 37, said: “I took the selfie for my best friend – he is a Manchester City fan. I support Manchester United. But it doesn’t happen every day to see someone like that.”
The father out of five saw the Algerian wing Mahrez, 29 years old, while he was shown around and approached him for a shot.
He claims that Mahrez seemed happy to pose with him – even after punching him.
But Craig said he was called by his supervisor on his way home on Monday and told him not to return the next day.
He had signed a form clarifying that arriving less than two meters from anyone on the site near Macclesfield, Cheshire, should have been fired immediately.
He said, “I think it’s a little out of order. Mahrez seemed pretty cool with it. I asked and said, ‘Yes, no problem.’
“I took the picture, got punched, then got the call on the way home.”
(Image: Craig Willis / SWNS)
Craig said he returned to the site the following day to withdraw his instruments – when his dismissal was confirmed.
He added: “Thinking about it, two meters is a rule, isn’t it? If I have signed something then it is quite right. You can’t tell lies. I haven’t thought about it.
“I broke the rules. But it wasn’t explained correctly. It’s the only thing I can say about it.
“And I asked him. I was working and he passed. I said, ‘Are you okay for a picture?’. Then he came over to me.”
Craig was hired to work for Pavetec.
A company spokesman declined to comment.
The site was developed by the PJ Livesey group.
A spokesman said: “The security of all our sites is of paramount importance at all times and the rules are very clear.”
There is no suggestion that Mahrez complained or was involved in the decision.
.
