Bradley Lowery’s mother has called for action after footage appeared to show a Coventry City supporter using a photograph of her late son to taunt Sunderland fans during Saturday’s Premier League match.
The alleged incident took place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on October 31, when Coventry beat Sunderland 3–1. Video circulating online appeared to show an individual in the home section displaying Bradley’s picture towards visiting supporters.
Bradley, a Sunderland supporter from Blackhall Colliery, died aged six in July 2017 after battling neuroblastoma. His friendship with former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe brought his story to national attention.
Gemma Lowery asks for action and understanding
In a statement shared through the Bradley Lowery Foundation on Sunday, Gemma said: “My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate.”
She explained that the photograph was especially precious because it captured her son enjoying a happy moment during a childhood marked by cancer treatment.
Gemma asked Coventry to take appropriate action and urged the individual’s family to help him understand the distress caused. She also appealed against directing hatred towards him, saying she wanted him to learn from what happened.
Coventry City responds to footage
According to the Sunderland Echo, Coventry confirmed it was aware of the footage and said it “does not tolerate offensive behaviour”. The club said it would liaise with the relevant authorities to determine appropriate action.
The newspaper contacted West Midlands Police, but its updated report contained no police response. The individual’s age has not been confirmed, and no arrest, charge or stadium ban was announced in that report.
Among Bradley’s most memorable football moments was walking out at Wembley alongside his hero Jermain Defoe before England faced Lithuania on March 26, 2017. Months earlier, he scored a penalty past Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic during Sunderland’s pre-match warm-up, after receiving tips from Diego Costa. The effort earned him joint honours in BBC Match of the Day’s December Goal of the Month award, giving his family another treasured memory.
The incident follows separate scrutiny of conduct around football grounds, including the rugby-ball incident at Brentford’s match against Liverpool.
Gemma also highlighted the work continuing in Bradley’s name. The Bradley Lowery Foundation, established in August 2017, supports children and families facing serious illness. Its Super Brad’s Pad holiday home gives families an opportunity to spend time together away from hospital life.
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