Boy, 14, hands himself in after using Bradley Lowery photo to taunt Sunderland fans

A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in to West Midlands Police after footage circulated on social media appearing to show him taunting Sunderland supporters with a photograph of Bradley Lowery during Coventry’s 3-1 Premier League win on Saturday. Lowery, a beloved Sunderland fan, died aged six in 2017 after battling neuroblastoma.

The video spread rapidly online and drew widespread condemnation. West Midlands Police confirmed they had launched a thorough investigation after becoming aware of the footage. “A 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will be spoken with in due course,” a force spokesperson said, adding that officers were keeping Bradley’s family updated and working closely with both clubs.

Coventry City issued a statement saying the club “does not tolerate offensive behaviour” and would liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action.

Bradley’s mother, Gemma Lowery, released an emotional statement on Sunday morning. “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.”

Gemma described the image as a cherished memory from a rare happy day during her son’s illness. “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.”

Despite the hurt caused, Gemma urged people not to direct hatred at the teenager. “I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don’t — just for him to learn from this,” she said. “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.”

Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of football supporters across the country during his short life, becoming a symbol of courage and warmth that extended far beyond Sunderland’s fanbase.