A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in to police after a photograph of Bradley Lowery was allegedly used to taunt Sunderland supporters during a football match.
Footage of the incident at Coventry City's 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday (October 31) spread rapidly across social media, prompting widespread anger from football supporters. The video appeared to show the teenage fan pointing towards an image of Bradley on his mobile phone while gesturing towards supporters in the away end at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Police Investigation Underway
West Midlands Police has now confirmed that a 14-year-old boy has handed himself in following the incident, with an investigation underway. In a statement, the force said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an incident at Coventry City’s Premier League match with Sunderland yesterday afternoon (31 Oct).
"A thorough investigation has been launched, and a 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will be spoken with in due course. We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim’s family and our officers are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation and working closely alongside both football clubs."
Bradley's Mother Responds
Bradley's mother Gemma Lowery previously spoke out about the incident, describing it as "heartbreaking" and urging fans not to direct abuse towards the youngster involved. She had earlier shared an emotional message through the Bradley Lowery Foundation's social media accounts on Sunday, November 1, after seeing the footage.
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."
Despite her upset, Gemma made clear she did not want the young supporter to become the target of online abuse. Instead, she appealed for his family to help him understand the seriousness of what had happened. 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.
"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 also questioned how using the image of a child who had died from cancer could be considered part of football rivalry. She 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 Response and Bradley's Legacy
Coventry City FC also responded after the footage began circulating, confirming it was aware of the incident and would work with the relevant authorities. A club statement read: "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 one of football's most recognisable young supporters during his brave battle with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. He was diagnosed when he was just 18 months old and became particularly close to former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe after the pair met when Bradley was a mascot for the club in 2017. Bradley sadly died in July 2017, aged just six, but his legacy continues through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which supports families affected by childhood illnesses.
Speaking about the youngster in 2023, Defoe 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."
