Arrests made after football fans ‘mock Bradley Lowery’ who died of cancer
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
Thank you for subscribing!
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
Two men have been arrested after fans allegedly mocked a young Sunderland fan who died from cancer during a football match.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that two men, a 27-year-old and a 31-year-old, are being held on suspicion of outraging public decency and remain in police custody. The incident occurred during Sheffield Wednesday's 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland in the Championship on Friday.
Photos emerged on social media of two men holding up a phone which seemingly showed the face of Bradley Lowery, who passed away aged six in 2017. The men appeared to be laughing.
READ MORE: Bradley Lowery dies aged six: Hero footie mascot passes away in parents' arms
Lowery suffered from a rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma, which he was diagnosed with when he was 18 months old. He became a well-known figure among English football fans due to his love for Sunderland and close friendship with former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
Police visited Bradley’s parents Carl and Gemma Lowery after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding the viral photos. Sheffield Wednesday released a statement on Saturday afternoon criticising those responsible.
The statement read: "We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
"We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends."
In a statement following the incident, the Bradley Lowery Foundation thanked Sheffield Wednesday for their condemnation of the incident, as well as the support shown by fans.
Mrs Lowery said: "Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
"I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious. Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry too.
"Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m eternally grateful for, but I must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
"I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown. Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
"Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo."
A group of Sheffield Wednesday fans have since responded to Friday's incident by launching a GoFundMe to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
- Championship
- Sheffield Wednesday FC
- Sunderland FC
Source: Read Full Article
