Never one to be too far from controversy, Pete Townshend has again landed himself in the headlines after being forced to apologise for mouthing the words 'f-ck off' to a seven-year-old child during a show.

According to a report in the Toronto Sun, Townshend directed the foul-mouthed insult at the child - Jenny Costello - and her father Eric, after spotting a sign they were holding which read 'Smash your guitar, Pete!' at a performance of The Who's Quadrophenia.

"Go away with that sign please, just go away with it, just go away with it", Townshend said to the pair from the stage. "Don't bring your children, use them. I want to tell you two words but I can't because you've got a child there". Townshend then mouthed the obscenity towards the father and daughter.

Townshend subsequently penned a letter of apology, in which he blamed the outburst on him being in 'rock star mode' and hoped that they could 'meet and be friends and put this behind us.'

The Who will play Quadrophenia in full at The O2 in on 8th June.