Anthony Joshua receives horrific anti-Muslim abuse
British boxer Anthony Joshua has been subjected to a tirade of vile abuse from Twitter trolls after he posted a picture of himself praying in a mosque.
The IBF heavyweight world title holder visited the mosque while in Dubai, but has had so-called 'fans' posting disgusting replies and threatening and racist comments.
Besides luck, hard work & talent.. Prayer is a solid foundation. It was nice to join my brother as he led through afternoon prayer (asr) 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/KJ4f2lu3mP
- Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) January 17, 2017
He wrote on Twitter: "Besides luck, hard work & talent... Prayer is a solid foundation. It was nice to join my brother as he led through afternoon prayer (asr)."
Anthony has previously said he doesn't follow any particular religion, but has an active interest in all faiths and wants to learn about them.
Below are a few of the milder tweets that followed his original post – we have chosen not to include the very worst of the abuse, which included a torrent of anti-Islamic insults.
@anthonyfjoshua do you support fgm and think women should be covered up
- kieranmurphy (@kieranmurphy519) January 17, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua I'm a huge fan of yours & wish you all the luck,but I can't help but feel less of you after this picture. Bullshit religion!
- Brett hawes (@BrettHawes) January 17, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua time to unfollow.
- Sceptical (@scepticalmouse) January 17, 2017
Some Twitter users threatened to unfollow the boxer, who's currently in training for his fight with Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April.
Others called for him to be banned from the fight, with some pledging to support Klitchscko instead.
However, many fans were quick to challenge the abusive behaviour and support Anthony:
@anthonyfjoshua what a world we live in! I'm worried about the future for my kids if this is how Grown Adults act! Ignore them Champ 👊
- ☘MissO☘ (@1987ladyo) January 17, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua ignore these racist's lot of respect you !!!
- Ali (@Muraad__) January 17, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua the hate is unbelievable good luck Anthony, hope you have a good day and block these people
- CR7-FC 🐐 (@Ronaldo__FC) January 17, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua mad respect to you bro! The fact that Islam is so badly demonised right now and you not afraid to show respect/understanding
- Anon2015 (@Anon1976) January 17, 2017
So. A few bigots are going to stop supporting @anthonyfjoshua because he has Muslim friends. Welcome to Britain in 2017. #EffTheHaters
- Miles (@MilesB85) January 18, 2017
@anthonyfjoshua Muslim, Christian or just open minded. You gonna love this man for what he does in the ring. 👊🏻 outside it is his business
- Peter Hawkins⛳️ (@BHA_Hawkins) January 18, 2017
"I'm not going to dig anyone for their beliefs or anything like that, but I definitely feel religion is a big part of life, whether you believe in it or not, in everyone's day-to-day life religion's a big part," Anthony previously told PA.
"Prayer and so on, and beliefs, is definitely important to me. I don't have a preferred religion. I'd have to do research.
"I was born a Christian but as I've grown into my own man I don't attach myself to a religion, 100 per cent I have faith. Then, it's locking into what suits me."
Anthony's upcoming fight with Wladimir Klitschko has already broken records – over 80,000 tickets have now been sold for their clash, which takes place on April 29.
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