Mum Slams Fan for Using Late Son's Photo to Taunt Rival Fans

Bradley Lowery's mother has issued a heartfelt plea after a Coventry City fan used a photograph of her late son to taunt Sunderland supporters during a Premier League match. The incident occurred Saturday during the game between Coventry and Sunderland, which Coventry won 3-1.

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

In a statement released Sunday, Bradley's mother, Gemma, expressed her deep distress. "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."

Gemma recalled the day the photograph was taken, describing it as a precious memory of her son enjoying himself, contrasting it with the difficult periods of his life spent battling cancer and undergoing treatments. "To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt," she stated.

She emphasized that while she appreciates football banter, mocking a child who died of cancer crosses a line. "I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were," Gemma added, while also requesting that no hatred be directed towards the individual, hoping he will learn from his actions. "Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day," she said.

Bradley Lowery became a well-known figure across the UK during his battle with neuroblastoma. His story inspired many, and the Bradley Lowery Foundation was established in his honor. The charity supports families fundraising for treatments not readily available through the NHS and also funds research into childhood cancers. Bradley also developed a close bond with former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, who often referred to him as his "best mate."

Coventry City Football Club has released a statement acknowledging the incident. "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 said. "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 misused. In 2023, a Sheffield Wednesday supporter held up a picture of Bradley at a match against Sunderland and laughed. That individual received a 12-week suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.