James Arthur is forced to defend himself after being cruelly fat-shamed by ...

James Arthur was cruelly fat-shamed by trolls after celebrity charity match, Soccer Aid on Saturday evening. 

The former X Factor contestant volunteered his time to play alongside the likes of Robbie Williams, Love Island’s Kem Cetinay and comic Lee Mack at the Etihad stadium in Manchester. 

The singer, 33, was forced to defend himself on Twitter saying 'Giz a break!'.

One troll commented:  'James Arthur looking like the fat kid you put up forward to keep out the way and not cost you goals.' 

While someone else added: 'James Arthur looks like he's carrying a little lockdown weight for a centre forward.'

Hitting back at the cruel comments, James took Twitter on Monday and said: 'Cool to see ppl calling me fat on Twitter during socceraid. Giz a break!'

'I had Covid not long ago was carrying 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.' 

However some sweet fans reminded the singer he has many supporters. 

With one writing: 'Try to stop looking at the hate and look at all the love and support your fans give you.'

To which James replied: 'I do but sometimes it feels right to acknowledge the hate and make people aware of how stupid it is. I’m just being me. I see and appreciate the love too x' 

Soccer Aid is a popular event and raises lots of money for worthwhile charities ever year.   

It kicked off on Saturday night with World XI team beating the England squad 3-0 in a game that raised £13,014,769 for UNICEF.