Boy hands himself in to police over Bradley Lowery taunt at Coventry-Sunderland
Bradley captured the hearts of the football world when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He died aged six in 2017.
A 14-year-old boy has “handed himself in” to West Midlands Police after a video posted on social media appeared to show a Coventry fan taunting Sunderland with a photo of Bradley Lowery during Saturday’s Premier League match.
Black Cats fan Bradley captured the hearts of the football world when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He died aged six in 2017.
Coventry said earlier on Sunday they were investigating the video footage and Bradley’s mother, Gemma, issued an emotional statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which she later updated, urging people not to “direct any hate, threats or harm towards this young boy or his family”.
West Midlands Police 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.”
Coventry said in their earlier statement: “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.”
Gemma Lowery said her “beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate” in her statement.
She posted on Instagram: “Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters.
“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, 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.”
Gemma Lowery later said the support she had received was “absolutely phenomenal” and added: “I really want to urge everyone not to take matters into their own hands or direct any hate, threats or harm towards this young boy or his family.”