In a teaser clip released on Monday by Comedy Central, an episode titled "A Scause for Applause" shows residents of the fictional US town South Park standing in line to get their yellow wristbands removed.

The teaser for the episode to be aired today does not refer to Armstrong by name, but Comedy Central said it dealt with "the recent news of drug use by a beloved icon" and "the world is left feeling lost and betrayed".

Armstrong, who was stripped of his cycling titles and banned for life earlier this month for doping, used yellow wristbands to promote his charity, Livestrong.

In the South Park episode, the news has left the town enraged and upset as chubby foul-mouthed Eric Cartman, one of the show's four lead children, declares "I can't believe we all got duped."

Hapless schoolboy Clyde Donovan yells: "Lying jerk!" and school counsellor Mr Mackey sobs as his bracelet is removed, saying, "I don't know what to believe in any more."

Armstrong, 41, who became a hero after battling cancer to dominate the world of professional cycling, has always denied allegations of taking performanceenhancing drugs.

He was banned from the sport for life after 11 of his former teammates testified against him and the US Anti-Doping Agency published a report in which it alleged that he had been involved in the "most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".

South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are known for responding quickly to current affairs and taboo subjects for their raunchy comedy show.