A 14-year-old boy has surrendered to West Midlands Police following the circulation of a video on social media that appeared to show a spectator using a photograph of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland supporters during a Premier League encounter on Saturday. According to BBC Sport, the incident has prompted a formal investigation by police and both football clubs. Coventry City defeated Sunderland 3–1 in the match where the incident took place.
Bradley Lowery, a devoted Sunderland supporter, passed away in 2017 at the age of six following a diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. The young fan became widely known across the football community and was honoured by his club in May. The video was described as a five-second clip showing a spectator in the home end pointing to Bradley's photo on a mobile phone.
What is the Bradley Lowery Foundation?
The foundation bearing Bradley's name was established in August 2017 to provide support to families fundraising for treatment or equipment not readily available or covered by the NHS, according to Yahoo News. The organisation raises funds and awareness to help and support children with cancer, continuing the legacy of the young Sunderland fan.
How have the clubs and authorities responded?
Coventry City released a statement on Sunday confirming they were investigating the footage. The club stated it "does not tolerate offensive behaviour" and pledged to co-operate with the relevant authorities. West Midlands Police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
A police statement said:
"We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an incident at Coventry City's Premier League match with Sunderland. 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."
What has Bradley's mother said?
Gemma Lowery, Bradley's mother, released a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation expressing her distress at the incident. She emphasised that her son "deserves to be remembered with love, not hate."
"As Bradley's mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it's one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile,"she said.
"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."
Lowery reflected on her son's battle with illness, noting that
"so much of Bradley's short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face."She expressed her pain at seeing the photograph misused, stating:
"To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt."
Despite her anguish, Lowery made clear her position on appropriate consequences.
"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 asked.
"I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad's family help him understand how hurtful his actions were."
She stressed that she did not wish for any "hatred directed" towards the young fan, but hoped the club would respond appropriately to the incident.
What happens next?
West Midlands Police confirmed that the 14-year-old boy will be spoken with in due course as part of their investigation. Police have not yet confirmed whether an arrest or charge will follow, according to reporting from the Sunderland Echo. Both Coventry City and Sunderland are co-operating with authorities as the investigation continues.
