Football star Wayne Rooney looks on as friend is confronted outside luxury Belfast hotel

In the footage, it appears the man who was in the company of Rooney was reacting to comments made by a man in the Waring Street area, outside the city's luxury Merchant Hotel.

A man's voice is heard coming from behind the phone the video was being shot on saying: "You're going to smack me for having a bit craic? You're going to smack me for having a bit of craic?"

A man with grey hair and grey beard who is with the footballer is seen approaching the camera, while Rooney walks slowly in the background.

At one stage a PSNI Land Rover is seen driving past in the background, seemingly oblivious to what was going on.

One woman in the company of the man who appears to have said something to Rooney and his friend is heard shouting "shut the f**k up" to the man who continues to goad Rooney's friend.

As Rooney and the grey-haired man make their way off, a man's voice is heard saying: "Just take you both, come on to f**k, honestly."

Again, a woman in the group pleads: "Don't agitate the situation."

Rooney and his wife Coleen had been in the Dirty Duck in Holywood earlier in the day for lunch.

A post on the pub's social media accounts said: "No, this isn‘t Photoshop, your eyes don’t deceive you - it is in fact former Man United player, Wayne Rooney and his lovely wife, Coleen in our restaurant!

"The pair called in for a tasty bite to eat this afternoon and were lovely enough to pose for a photo with our famous fluffy duck.

"Hope you enjoyed your meal guys!"

In the video of the argument, Rooney appears to be wearing the same outfit he'd been wearing earlier in the day with wife Coleen.

The pub spokesperson revealed the pair had a "bar board to share and then our scampi and beef chilli."