'If you think I'm a racist, go f*** yourself': Anthony Joshua hits out at critics of his Black Lives Matters speech where he told people to abstain from spending money in white shops and 'invest in black-owned businesses' (10 Pics)

Anthony Joshua has hit back at critics claiming he's 'racist' following the speech he made at a Black Lives Matter protest on Saturday.

Wearing a black hoodie with the movement's name on the front, the WBA, WBO and IBF world champion joined hundreds of others on the peaceful protest in his home town of Watford, while pictured on crutches and sporting a leg brace. 

The unified heavyweight champion was then filmed at a park gathering, where he read a speech from a piece of paper and spoke out in the fight against racism.  

Anthony Joshua hits back at critics who claimed he is 'racist' following his speech in the park

Joshua responded to critics with an image of some text on Twitter on Sunday evening

AJ initially read a speech from someone who wasn't present at the protests so they could have their voice heard.

A brief snippet of the speech was taken out of context and uploaded to social media on Saturday, which showed Joshua saying the following: 'Show them where it hurts. 

'Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.'

Following backlash on social media, Joshua responded on Sunday evening with a image of some text, that read: 'If you think I'm a racist, go f*** yourself! 

'If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead. 

The heavyweight champion read aloud a speech from a piece of paper during the protests

A snippet of the initial speech Joshua read was taken out of context on social media 

'I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community. 

'Shops aren't the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism.'

In an earlier statement, Joshua addressed other criticisms of appearing to disobey social distancing rules while attending the protests. 

He said: 'I understand the concerns in regards to social distancing.

'However I hope those who are complaining about social distancing have the same energy about those gathering for a day at the beach [and] those going to the park for a picnic.'

Joshua attended the BLM protests following the death of African American George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States.

Protests have occurred around the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis 

Joshua joined hundreds of peaceful protestors on the march through his hometown 

Joshua wore a hoodie with Black Lives Matter on the front in support of the movement

Police officer Derek Chauvin has since been charged with second degree murder after a video emerged showing him kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes while he laid on the floor in handcuffs.

His death has sparked a series of sometimes violent protests across the United States and demonstrations around the world.  

Joshua went on to explain that the death of Floyd was the catalyst for the protests. 

'But I know I've taken my street knowledge and put it into the corporate world and I've gained a lot of respect in that sense. So anyway, gang culture is done.

'So, where was I. We have to engage with the youth and put an end to black youth gang culture. This postcode war - how many houses do we own on that postcode that we're fighting for?

Joshua wore a leg brace and walked with crutches after sustaining a training injury

Hundreds turned out for the Black Lives Matter protest march in Watford on Saturday

'Let's inject the vaccine. Every life matters - 100 per cent I agree with that. But that does include black lives and that's why we're here today.

'George Floyd - we're all aware of his name - was the catalyst in a list that is already way, way, way too long.'

Joshua's appearance on crutches also saw fans fear that the heavyweight boxer sustained a serious injury.

However, spokesperson for the 30-year-old confirmed to Sportsmail that his injury is not serious, saying: 'Anthony felt a slight twinge in his knee whilst training. 

'The brace Is a precautionary measure on the advise of physios. It will be further checked by his doctors but there is no immediate concern.'