Liam Payne has apologised for comments perceived as ''homophobic''.

The One Direction heartthrob has hit back at fans who criticised him for making anti-gay comments during a recent concert, insisting he meant nothing offensive by not acknowledging same-sex relationships.

According to JustJared, he introduced a track by saying: ''This is my favourite song off the last album, and it is about trying to find that number one woman of your life, which none of you can relate to, 'cause most of you are girls. Except for the boys in here, you know what I'm talking about.''

After receiving a barrage of abuse online, he took to Twitter to clarify his remarks, saying it was a ''throw away statement''.

He tweeted: ''lol think some people take things to literal these days not gunna comment on it anymore you guys know what I meant it was meant in general

''I am in no way shape or form homophobic that's a ridicules thing to say and I'm not here to offend people so take it as you will

''So annoying trying your hardest to make people happy in a show and you think about all the notes u tried to hit higher or a little sweeter

''And all some people want to concentrate on was a throw away statement about a song that I love

''C**p end to a good day (sic).''

And in further messages, the 21-year-old singer said there was ''no need'' for the insults being hurled his way for something he said ''in the wrong way''.

He added: ''Lol this is so insane the more I read I'm like wtf have u ever said something in the wrong way I'm sure every person here has lol

''I'm sorry to those I offended really I am but there's no need for some of the things I'm being called

''I'm just here to make people smile I kinda consider it my job role (sic).''