Watford says it is working with Hertfordshire Constabulary to identify the “loathsome individuals” who posted online abuse towards Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma. Players and staff from both teams were involved in a fracas on the pitch at the end of the game that finished in a 1-0 defeat for the Hornets. The brawl resulted in Watford’s Joao Pedro and Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere both being sent off for second cautions. It was sparked by Pedro’s late sliding challenge on Lerma, and subsequently saw both clubs charged with misconduct by the Football Association. Watford highlighted abusive comments towards the Colombian in reply to a post on the official Championship Twitter account promoting the EFL’s anti-discrimination campaign ‘not today or any day’.
Old Fullerians have paid tribute to a sportsman and bon viveur who was “passionate about everything Watford”. John ‘Wilf’ Cook, an ‘Old Fullerian’ - a former pupil of Watford Grammar School for Boys - died on February 4, but he left a longstanding legacy in Watford. Mr Cook moved to the area in 1940 after being bombed out in London during the Blitz. He completed his studies in 1948/9 but acted as chairman of the Old Fullerians’ Association over several periods between 1966 and 2007.
John with the Chairman and Vice Presidents in 2012 Michael Groves, current chairman of the Old Fullerians’ Association, said: “John was passionate about everything Watford, his old school, its Old Boys’ Association, and the cricket club for whom he played for many, many years and of course, Watford Football Club whom he supported.”
Terry Challis allegorical painting The Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance. The 22nd item in ‘a history of Watford in 50 objects’ is a poster produced by this newspaper - slightly scuffed around the edges and with tell tale drawing pin holes in the corners - that is one of the most popular items in the museum s Watford Football Club gallery. Sarah said: The poster celebrates a painting by Terry Challis who was for many years the much loved cartoonist for the sports pages of the Watford Observer.
Watford s history in 50 objects: A poster of Terry Challis Watford FC painting watfordobserver.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from watfordobserver.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.