Teen turns himself in over Bradley Lowery taunt at Coventry match
Bradley's mum Gemma says it's heartbreaking, but she's asked people not to send hate or threats to the boy or his family
A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in to West Midlands Police following the circulation of a video on social media.
The video allegedly shows a Coventry City fan taunting Sunderland supporters with a photograph of Bradley Lowery during a Premier League match on Saturday.
Bradley Lowery was a devoted Sunderland supporter who gained widespread attention when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.
Sadly, he passed away at the age of six in 2017.
Coventry City FC issued a statement, acknowledging the incident and affirming that they will not tolerate offensive behaviour.
They are coordinating with authorities to determine the appropriate actions.
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."
"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.”
Bradley's mother, Gemma Lowery, shared an emotional message through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, asking people not to direct hate, threats or harm towards the young boy involved in the incident.
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."
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."