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James Arthur calls out fat-shaming trolls for mocking his 'lockdown timber' during Soccer Aid match

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04:  James Arthur of England during the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 match between England and Soccer Aid World XI at Etihad Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
James Arthur plays for England during the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 match (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

James Arthur has called out online trolls who mocked his weight during an appearance at Soccer Aid on Saturday.

The 'Say You Won’t Let Go' star performed as part of the England squad at last Saturday’s charity football match, joining a host of celebrities to raise money for UNICEF.

While the World XI team came out on top in a 3-0 victory, Arthur had a lot to celebrate with the group raising a record £13,014,769.

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But Twitter trolls were quick to attack the former X Factor winner for his weird, mocking him for having ‘lockdown timber’ as he played in the game.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04:James Arthur during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 at Etihad Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)
James Arthur during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Speaking out about the hate, Arthur wrote: “Cool to see ppl calling me fat on Twitter during socceraid. Giz a break!

“I had Covid not long ago was carryin a knee injury and a bit of lockdown timber but I still never gave the ball away once!

“I’m lookin skinny today coz I was starved of service! relax it was for charity x”

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Fans of the star were quick to lend their support to the musician - who has been open in the past about his struggle with mental health - urging him to ignore the hate.

“Try to stop looking at the hate and look at all the love and support your fans give you,” one wrote.

He replied: “I do but sometimes it feels right to acknowledge the hate and make people aware of how stupid it is.”

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MAY 08: James Arthur attends the 66th Annual BMI Pop Awards on May 08, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage)
James Arthur attends the 66th Annual BMI Pop Awards, 2018 (JB Lacroix/WireImage)

“I’m just being me,” Arthur continued. “I see and appreciate the love too x”

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At the event, held at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Dermot O’Leary returned as host with Alex Scott as touchline reporter.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 04: Usain Bolt of the World XI lifts the Soccer Aid trophy with teammates during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 at Etihad Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 Champions World XI team lift trophy at Etihad Stadium (Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Maya Jama also joined the gang as a pundit for the fundraiser.

World XI - managed by Harry Redknapp - took home the 3-0 win with Love Island winner Kem Cetinay scoring two of the three goals, and Lee Mack scoring the other.

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The team was completed by Usain Bolt as captain, Tom Grennan, Ore Oduba, Martin Compston and Yungblud.

The England team included Olly Murs, Wayne Rooney, James, Paul Scholes, Jamie Redknapp, Joel Dommett and Mark Wright.

Read more: Soccer Aid 2021: Kem Cetinay and Lee Mack lead World XI to win over England as record £13m raised for Unicef