West Midlands Police has launched an investigation after a photograph of Bradley Lowery was allegedly used to taunt Sunderland supporters during Coventry City’s match at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in following the incident, which took place during Coventry’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, 31 October. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, appeared to show a teenage fan pointing towards an image of Bradley on a mobile phone while gesturing towards supporters in the away section.
Police said the teenager would be spoken to “in due course”, and confirmed that officers were working with both clubs. The force has also acknowledged the anger and distress caused by the footage, particularly to Bradley’s family.
“We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim’s family,” West Midlands Police said.
Family appeal for an end to abuse
Bradley died aged six in 2017 after suffering from neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. He became widely known during his illness and was remembered for his connection with football, particularly Sunderland, the club supported by his family.
His mother, Gemma Lowery, described the alleged use of his photograph as deeply upsetting in a message shared through the Bradley Lowery Foundation’s social media accounts. She said Bradley should be remembered with love rather than hatred, and described the image as a cherished family memory.
Ms Lowery said she understood that football supporters engaged in banter, but questioned whether mocking a child who had died from cancer could be regarded in those terms. She also made clear that she did not want the young supporter to become the target of online abuse, asking his family to help him understand the seriousness of what had happened.
Investigation follows rapid spread of footage
The video spread quickly across social media after the match, prompting condemnation from football supporters. The circumstances shown in the footage remain the subject of the police inquiry, and no further details about the teenager’s position in the investigation have been provided.
The police response has so far focused on establishing what happened and ensuring that the family is kept informed. Officers said they were working closely with Coventry City and Sunderland as the investigation continues.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Coventry City 3-1 Sunderland |
| Date of incident | Saturday, 31 October |
| Venue | Coventry Building Society Arena |
| Police update | A 14-year-old has handed himself in |
Football clubs working with police
The incident has placed renewed attention on the boundary between football rivalry and conduct that causes serious harm to others. While the alleged act involved a young supporter, the response from Bradley’s family has been measured: condemnation of the reported taunt has been accompanied by a direct appeal against online targeting.
For supporters in Coventry, the immediate issue is now the outcome of the police investigation and any action taken by the clubs. West Midlands Police has not announced further consequences, and the force’s statement indicates that officers will continue gathering information and speaking with those involved.
Bradley’s mother said the photograph used in the alleged taunt showed a child who was loved deeply by his family. Her comments underline why the incident has resonated beyond the rivalry between Coventry and Sunderland, turning a moment at a football match into a wider debate about decency, responsibility and the limits of so-called banter.
