A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in to police after a video posted on social media appeared to show a Coventry fan taunting Sunderland with a photo of Bradley Lowery. The footage emerged during the Premier League match between Coventry and Sunderland at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday, which Coventry won 3-1.
Police investigation launched
West Midlands Police confirmed that the teenager has since handed himself in. 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 (on Saturday) afternoon."
"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."
Club response and family statement
Coventry City also confirmed they were investigating the footage. In an earlier statement, the club 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, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was six years old when he died in 2017 after a battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He formed a close friendship with then-Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.
Bradley's mother, Gemma, issued an emotional statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, saying: "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 added: "As Bradley's mam, this is heart-breaking, 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?"
She said: "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."
