A 14-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and subsequently bailed after a video emerged appearing to show a Coventry fan taunting Sunderland supporters with a photograph of the late Bradley Lowery.
Bradley was a lifelong supporter of Sunderland and his battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, touched the hearts of supporters across the footballing world before his death at the age of six in July 2017. His legacy lives on through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, established in August that year, which has helped support families in raising funds for treatment and equipment not readily available through the NHS.
Incident at Coventry Building Society Arena
Footage of the alleged incident came to light after Coventry's 3-1 victory at home to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The five-second clip appears to show a young spectator in the home end at the Coventry Building Society Arena grinning while pointing to a picture of Bradley on a mobile phone.
This is not the first time Bradley's story has been used in such circumstances. Sheffield Wednesday fan Dale Houghton was sacked from his job and handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence following a similar incident in 2023.
Club statement and police investigation
Coventry City FC issued a statement on Sunday saying: "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."
It is understood the teenage boy voluntarily handed himself into West Midlands Police, who confirmed an investigation was underway. The video went viral on social media shortly after the match and was widely condemned by both Black Cats fans and supporters of rival clubs.
Family responds
A host of Coventry fans have shown support for Lowery's family, leaving heartfelt messages alongside donations on The Bradley Lowery Foundation fundraising page on JustGiving. Bradley's mother, Gemma, called for her "beautiful boy" to be "remembered with love, not hate" in a statement on Instagram.
"My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate. Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters," she wrote. "As Bradley's mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it's one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile.
"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. 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. I 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."
Gemma thanked those who had defended Bradley since the video began to circulate, adding: "Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know. What some people don't realise is that Bradley's story didn't end when his life did.
"Because of Bradley, children's lives are being saved, hundreds of families have received vital support, and children facing unimaginable battles are being given hope. Through Super Brad's Pad, families can escape hospital life, spend precious time together and make memories that last forever. That is Bradley's legacy. The difference my little boy continues to make in this world. No amount of cruelty will ever take that away.
"So rather than let this photograph be remembered for hatred, I want it remembered for what it truly represents. My beautiful little boy, enjoying one of the happiest days of his life, with the biggest smile on his face. That is how I want the world to remember him. #CancerHasNoColours Forever 6. Forever loved."
Gemma finished by sharing a link to the Bradley Lowery Foundation's website.
