Bradley Lowery's mother Gemma makes heartbreaking plea after alleged Coventry City fan taunt
Gemma Lowery has spoken out after footage circulated appearing to show a Coventry City supporter using a photograph of her late son to taunt Sunderland fans
Bradley Lowery's mother has issued an emotional statement after footage appeared to show an individual in the Coventry City end using a photograph of her late son to taunt Sunderland fans during Saturday's Premier League fixture.
The incident allegedly occurred during Sunderland's 3-1 defeat to Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena on October 31, with footage circulating on social media appearing to show an individual holding up a photograph of Bradley towards visiting supporters.
Bradley, a lifelong Sunderland supporter from Blackhall Colliery, died in July 2017 at the age of six after battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. His story touched the hearts of football supporters across the country, and his legacy continues through the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Gemma Lowery issues emotional statement
In a statement shared through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, Gemma said: "My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate." She accompanied the opening sentence with a red heart emoji before continuing: "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."
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Gemma added a broken heart emoji before continuing: "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."
She added another red heart emoji before continuing: "What some people don’t realise is that Bradley’s story didn’t end when his life did. 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.
"Through Super Brad’s Pad, families can escape hospital life, spend precious time together and make memories that last forever. That is Bradley’s legacy. The difference my little boy continues to make in this world. No amount of cruelty will ever take that away.
"So rather than let this photograph be remembered for hatred, I want it remembered for what it truly represents. My beautiful little boy, enjoying one of the happiest days of his life, with the biggest smile on his face. #CancerHasNoColours." Gemma accompanied those words with a blue heart emoji before concluding: "That is how I want the world to remember him.”
While footage of the alleged incident has circulated on social media, The Echo has chosen not to reproduce it or identify the individual involved, whose age has not been confirmed. The Echo has contacted Coventry City and West Midlands Police for comment regarding the alleged incident and to establish whether any further action is being considered.