Boxer Amir Khan 'shocked' by savage reaction to his family Christmas photo

Boxer Amir Khan said he was "shocked" after a simple Christmas photo of him and his family sparked outrage on social media.

Boxer Amir Khan has confessed to being "shocked" by the abuse aimed at him by trolls over an Instagram post wishing people a Merry Christmas.

 

The family snap has drawn the ire of some followers as it depicts the avowed Muslim celebrating what is largely seen as a Christian holiday.

Former world boxing champion Khan and his fiancee Faryal Makhdoom, 28, were joined by daughters Lamaisah, five, and Alanya, one, in the cute photo, The Sun reports.

Wearing matching pyjamas, each family member donned a shirt with antlers and a red nose stitched on the front – Khan's reading "Daddy Deer".

But sick trolls targeted the Brit, 33, and his family and claimed they should not be enjoying Christmas.

One comment on the original Instagram post decried Khan as a "bloody disgrace to our religion".

Such responses prompted Khan to tweet on Thursday: "So shocked by all the hate I’m getting on my Twitter & Instagram for wishing everyone Merry Christmas and posting a picture with my family in Christmas outfits.

"Just want to tell those people ‘I don’t give a f**k’."

Amir Khan couldn't believe this snap caused such a stir.

However, Khan also had plenty of supporters defending his right to celebrate Christmas, even though he is Muslim.

One Twitter user commented: "I became Muslim 31 years ago, and always look forward to celebrating Christmas with my large Christian family at my parents' house just as they enjoy celebrating Eid with us. Sharing and celebrating together is what unites us and removes the divide/hate we see in society."

Born in England, Khan is of Pakistani origin and has spoken on several occasions about seeking greater acceptance for his faith in the UK.

Earlier in the year, he spoke in the aftermath of the New Zealand terrorist attack about how he wants there to be further "understanding" of his religion because "there is a lot of hatred in a lot of people towards Muslims".

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission