Mother Condemns Fan's Use of Late Son's Photo to Taunt Supporters

Bradley Lowery's mother, Gemma, has released a heartfelt statement condemning the actions of a Coventry City fan who used a photograph of her late son to taunt Sunderland supporters during a Premier League match. The incident occurred during Saturday's game, which Coventry won 3-1.

A video circulating on social media showed a supporter holding up an image of Bradley, who died at the age of six in 2017 from a rare form of childhood cancer, while pointing at it and smirking towards Sunderland fans.

In her statement, Gemma Lowery expressed her devastation. "My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate," she wrote. "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."

She recalled the day the photograph was taken, describing it as a precious memory of Bradley enjoying himself, a stark contrast to much of his short life spent battling cancer and enduring treatments. "To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt," she stated.

While acknowledging football banter, Gemma questioned its limits. "I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?" she asked, urging the club to take action and for the individual's family to educate him on the impact of his actions. She also pleaded for restraint from directing hatred towards the fan, emphasizing a desire for him to learn from the incident.

"Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day," she added, thanking those who have defended Bradley and shown her family support.

Gemma also highlighted Bradley's enduring legacy through the Bradley Lowery Foundation. "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," she explained. She noted that through "Super Brad’s Pad," families can find respite and create lasting memories, underscoring that this positive impact is Bradley's true legacy.

Coventry City FC has released a statement acknowledging the footage and stating that the club "does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."

This is not the first instance of Bradley's image being used inappropriately. In 2023, a Sheffield Wednesday supporter was given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to perform unpaid work after holding up a picture of Bradley to taunt Sunderland fans.

Bradley Lowery became a beloved figure across the UK during his battle with neuroblastoma. He developed a close relationship with then-Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, who called him his "best mate" and stated that Bradley would always be in his heart. The Bradley Lowery Foundation continues to support families fundraising for treatments not readily available through the NHS and funds research into childhood cancers.