Liam Payne has said ''f**k you'' to fans who have criticised his new girlfriend.

The One Direction star confirmed he is dating Sophia Smith - whom he has known since they went to school in Wolverhampton, in England's Midlands area, together - on Monday (19.08.13), which has since resulted in her getting a great deal of unwanted attention on social networking sites, and the extent of the abuse has riled the boy band star.

Liam - who confessed all about his new romance to Yahoo! omg! -posted on Twitter earlier today (21.08.13): ''Always sad to get on here to read horrible stuff about someone you care about... There is that old saying though if you ain't got s**t nice to say then f**k you. (sic)''

Jealous One Direction fans had earlier been speculating about Sophia, calling her fake and accusing her of only wanting to be with him for his fame.

Twitter use PrincessaMalik wrote: ''Isn't @TheSophSmith the one who rejected @Real_Liam_Payne 22 times? Now she's back cause she can take all his money. It's obvious. Wow (sic)''

User HazzFeet wrote: ''@TheSophSmith I know 99% of our fandom hates you, And I'm one of them (sic)''

Another user, itspayneslove, said: ''she cares about you[r] money Liam. Oops (sic)''

Other fans called for Liam to get back with his ex-girlfriend, dancer Danielle Peaser, who he met on 'The X Factor' in 2010 and had an on/off relationship with until they split for good in May 2013.

Liam and the rest of 1D - Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan - all attended the world premiere of their 3D concert movie 'One Direction: This Is Us' in London's Leicester Square yesterday evening (20.08.13).