Adian Chiles defended by fans after backlash to outfit for Liam Payne's funeral

Adrian Chiles has been defended for the 'sweetest' tribute after coming under fire for his outfit at Liam Payne's funeral. The funeral of the former One Direction member, who tragically passed away aged 31 in Argentina last month, was held earlier this week.

High-profile attendees included Cheryl, Simon Cowell and his ex-bandmates. TV host Adrian Chiles, 57, donned a West Bromwich Albion jacket, leading to 'crass' remarks from some online.

But fans of the star have defended the star as they praised his tribute to his late friend. Not only was Payne a WBA supporter, but he and Chiles also bonded over attending football matches together.

Read more British Airways flight attendant 'suspended after callous post about Liam Payne'

Chiles, currently a host on BBC Radio 5 Live, shared his relationship with Payne with listeners, saying: "I got to know him when he first did X Factor. He came up to me and said "up the Albion" he was a West Brom fan.

"I remember we managed to sneak him into a Boxing Day game and his parents sat with me. We hid him in the commentary gantry so he wouldn't be disturbed. Then a friend texted me asking, "Why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?'

"I went, 'Well it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it'."

One fan spoke out in Adrian's defence, writing: "Any sense of deeper meaning or genuine emotion is lost or impossible. Wearing the West Brom coat was a heartfelt gesture of love and respect."

"Got a lot of admiration for Adrian Chiles attending Liam Payne's funeral in a West Brom coat, given their shared love of the team," another fan shared, while another added: "People mocking Adrian Chiles for wearing a WBA coat when actually it's the sweetest thing when you realise Liam Payne supported WBA."