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British boxer receives wave of abuse after posting photo in Dubai mosque

Follower urges Theresa May to deport Anthony Joshua

News Desk January 18, 2017

Follower urges Theresa May to deport Anthony Joshua. PHOTO: REUTERS

British boxing world champion Anthony Joshua has received a wave of abuse after posting a picture of himself praying in a mosque in Dubai.

Joshua, a non-Muslim, was training in Dubai when he visited a mosque in the city and posted a picture on Twitter and Instagram for his followers. The IBF heavyweight title holder has previously stated that he does not follow any religion, but has an interest in them.

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The 27-year-old's picture showed him offering prayers with two friends, with a caption that read, "Besides luck, hard work & talent.. Prayer is a solid foundation. It was nice to join my brother as he led through afternoon prayer (Asr)."

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 (@anthonyjoshua) January 17, 2017

Joshua's picture, however, was not welcomed by some and gave rise to criticism and hate comments. According to Mail Online, a man urged British Prime Minister Theresa May to deport Joshua for his faith. "Get out of my country," he tweeted.

https://twitter.com/CFC_EDL/status/821401541072527361

However, many also spoke in support of the boxer.

Shocking how @anthonyfjoshua visits a Mosque in Middle East and all hell broke loose as a result.
He's not even Muslim but should it matter?
— HM (@MUnitedGirl) January 17, 2017

•| Boxer #AnthonyJoshua praying in a #mosque even though he is a non-muslim. May Allah guide him, Ameen.|•
Credit: ilmfeed pic.twitter.com/n7AKpvuPIh
— Deen, Duniya And Us (@deenduniyaandus) January 12, 2017

To those (Muslim & Non-Muslim) criticising #AnthonyJoshua for attending a Mosque in Dubai, all I have to say is #AllahuAkbar #Islam #Deen
— Zain Hassan (@ramblingblog5) January 17, 2017

https://twitter.com/myfootballtrial/status/821350368340832256

In an interview last year Joshua said, "Prayer is a method practised from ancient days, so it's very important for us to maintain a spiritual connection, something that people, gladiators would do years ago, so we're just maintaining that routine. "

"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," he had said.

COMMENTS (9)

I am a Khan | 7 years ago | Reply @GKA: Salman Khan does pray at temples and no one says a word.... only when a celebrity goes to the masjid then backlash happens....this shows the real ugly face of the western people...

Shah | 7 years ago | Reply Real ugly face of England; Caste, color, creed and religion are the divisive force; Racism embedded in genes of these people; This shows the deep roots of christian crusades still kindling.. Need to douse this with love and affection, and if not, then by force; as was done in the past;