AN illustrator for Watford’s programme has issued a public apology for a cartoon of the tackle that sidelined Cherries star Eunan O’Kane last season.

Midfielder O’Kane was the victim of an X-rated challenge from Daniel Pudil in Cherries’ 2-0 home victory over the Hornets on January 30, 2015.

O’Kane missed eight matches before being named on the substitutes’ bench for the home match with Blackpool in March but did not appear for Cherries again during the Championship run-in.

A cartoon of the incident was published on page 59 of yesterday’s The Hornet on the children’s quiz page, a move criticised by supporters of Cherries and Watford on social media.

Addressing the issue, illustrator Alex Bennett posted on Twitter:

In further replies, Bennett insisted he had not tried to “glorify the tackle”.

As yet, there has been no statement made by Watford Football Club or its representatives.