Liam Payne causes backlash by posing with a cigarette on a private plane

Fans weren't impressed by the One Direction singer flaunting his band habit.

YOU'D think One Direction are doing anything they can to avoid controversy at the moment.

In the last few months the group have barely been out of the headlines thanks to their ongoing feud with former member Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson's baby news, Liam's homophobic claims and the news that they are set to split for atleast a year.

However, Liam Payne has just caused his own little ruckus thanks to his latest Instagram picture.

The snap shows the 22 year old posing on a plane with a cigarette in his hand.

But some of his fans have slammed the singer for publicly broadcasting his naughty habit.

One upset user wrote: "Dear Liam James Payne! Why are you smoking? We are love you so much so please don't smoke and throw the cigarette! You are a very clever boy so don't get wrong now!"

And while many fans pointed out just how bad cigarettes are for your health, others jumped to his defence saying he can do what he wants.

"Let Liam do what he wants, he can make up his own mind," one wrote.

The singer recently celebrated turning 22 by adding to his collection of tattoo. One bold inking on his forearm is of a skull and roses with a banner that says 'We are the quiet ones'.

He's also had a tatt done on his hand of an eagle wrapped in a banner. Considering the sign is still blank - it may still be a work in process.