A 14-year-old boy has “handed himself in” to West Midlands Police after a video posted on social media appeared to point out a fan taunting Sunderland with a photograph of Bradley Lowery throughout Saturday’s Premier League match.
Sunderland fan Bradley died aged six in 2017 from neuroblastoma, a uncommon type of childhood most cancers.
Coventry mentioned on Sunday they have been investigating the video footage whereas Bradley’s mom, Gemma, launched her personal assertion via the Bradley Lowery Basis, which raises funds and consciousness to assist and assist kids with most cancers.
West Midlands Police have confirmed an investigation is now underneath manner.
“We’re conscious of a video circulating on social media displaying an incident at Coventry Metropolis‘s Premier League match with Sunderland,” a police assertion mentioned.
“A radical investigation has been launched, and a 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will probably be spoken with sooner or later.
“We perceive the upset and outrage this video has brought about locally and to the sufferer’s household, and our officers are conserving them updated with the progress of our investigation and dealing carefully alongside each soccer golf equipment.”
Coventry mentioned they have been conscious of the video and the membership “doesn’t tolerate offensive behaviour” and can co-operate with the relative authorities.
Gemma Lowery mentioned her “lovely boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate” in her assertion.
“As Bradley’s mam, that is heartbreaking, particularly because it’s considered one of my favorite images of him. Simply take a look at that smile,” she mentioned.
“I keep in mind that day prefer it was yesterday. He was so completely happy, having a lot enjoyable. These moments have been valuable as a result of they have been few and much between.
“A lot of Bradley’s quick life was spent battling most cancers and enduring therapies no little one ought to ever face.
“To see such a good looking reminiscence utilized in such a merciless manner actually does make my coronary heart harm.
“We’re a football-loving household who observe Sunderland dwelling and away. I am all for soccer banter, however absolutely mocking a toddler who died from most cancers just isn’t banter?
“I hope the membership takes acceptable motion and the younger lad’s household assist him perceive how hurtful his actions have been.”
Lowery added she didn’t need any “hatred directed” in the direction of the fan, however hoped the “membership takes acceptable motion”.
