‘Deplorable’ Sheff Wed fans ‘use Bradley Lowery photo to mock Sunderland rivals
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Two Sheffield Wednesday fans allegedly used a picture of six-year-old cancer victim Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland fans.
Wednesday hosted Sunderland at Hillsborough on Friday night in the Championship. The home side suffered a 3-0 defeat, conceding all three goals in the first-half as the Black Cats ran rampant.
But as tensions arose between the two groups of supporters, two fans were photographed seemingly poking fun at Bradley – a young Sunderland supporter who tragically died in 2017.
READ MORE: Bradley Lowery dies aged six: Hero footie mascot passes away in parents' arms
READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday owner says he is refusing to put money into club in 1,500-word rant at fans
Viral images on social media showed one Wednesday supporter pointing his phone in the direction of the Sunderland fans, with a picture of Lowery clearly visible on his phone. The other fan was seen laughing.
Sheffield Wednesday's statement in response to the incident 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."
Sunderland-mad Bradley, from Hartlepool, touched the hearts of millions during his courageous battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months old, a rare cancer mainly affecting babies and young children.
As a result, he was in and out of hospital with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive care treatments. But he soon became a beloved face across football after striking a close friendship with forward Jermain Defoe.
More than £1million was raised for his official charity, Bradley's Fight, including large donations from several top flight clubs. He beat the disease once but after some time in remission, it returned in 2016, before he sadly passed away on July 7, 2017.
A group of Sheffield Wednesday fans have since responded to Friday's disgraceful scenes by launching a GoFundMe to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation. The page description read: "In light of the recent, sickening images circulating from the football fixture between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sunderland AFC at Hillsborough on Friday 29th September 23, Sheffield Wednesday fans would like to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation to show our support and stand up against this type of behaviour in football."
- Sheffield Wednesday FC
- Sunderland FC
- Championship
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