Gemma Lowery, the mother of Bradley Lowery, has spoken out after a Coventry City supporter allegedly used a photograph of her late son to provoke Sunderland fans during a Premier League match. She described the incident as heartbreaking and urged supporters to remember Bradley for the happiness he brought rather than allowing his image to be linked to hatred.
Bradley became a beloved figure among football supporters across the country during his brave battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. The young Sunderland fan died aged six in July 2017, and his memory lives on through the work of the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Emotional Statement Shared on Social Media
Gemma shared an emotional statement through the foundation's social media accounts on Sunday, November 1, after footage emerged appearing to show a Coventry supporter holding up a photograph of Bradley to wind up opposition fans.
She said: "My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate. Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters. As his mam, this breaks my heart. Behind that photo is a little boy who was loved beyond measure."
Gemma also appealed for people not to direct abuse towards the supporter involved, saying she wanted him to understand the impact of his actions rather than face a wave of online hatred.
Plea for Understanding, Not Hatred
She wrote: "I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this."
She continued: "I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between. So much of Bradley’s short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face. To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt."
Gemma added: "We are a football-loving family who follow Sunderland home and away. I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter? I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this. Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day. Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know."
Club Responds to Footage
Coventry City FC has also responded to the footage, confirming it was aware of the incident and that it would be looking into what happened. A club spokesperson said: "Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."
Bradley became a familiar face to football fans during his illness, with his friendship with former Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe. The pair first met when Bradley was a mascot for the Black Cats against Everton in 2017. Defoe quickly formed a close bond with the youngster and regularly visited him during his treatment.
Speaking about Bradley in 2023, the former England striker said: "He will always be in my heart, for the rest of my life. There's not a day that goes past where I don't wake up and think about little Bradley, because his love is genuine."
Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just 18 months old. His funeral in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was attended by thousands of mourners, many of whom wore Sunderland shirts to pay tribute to the young supporter.
