Coventry investigates Bradley Lowery taunt as boy reportedly hands himself in

Coventry City have opened an investigation into footage that appears to show a supporter taunting Sunderland with a photograph of Bradley Lowery, the young fan who died from cancer in 2017. British media reported that a 14-year-old boy had handed himself in to West Midlands police following the incident.

The video circulated on social media after Saturday’s Premier League match, which Sunderland lost 3-1. It appears to show someone in the Coventry section displaying Lowery’s image on a phone, pointing at the screen and grinning. West Midlands police launched an investigation after the footage emerged, according to the reports.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Coventry said they were aware of the footage relating to the Sunderland fixture. The club said offensive behaviour was unacceptable and that they would work with the relevant authorities to establish what action should follow. Sunderland had not acknowledged the incident.

Bradley died in July 2017 at the age of six. He had a rare cancer that spreads quickly through the body and became nationally known through his appearances alongside Sunderland’s players on the pitch before matches.

His mother, Gemma Lowery, responded on Sunday in a statement released through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which helps children and families affected by serious illness. She described the pain of seeing her son’s photograph used in that way, saying: “Behind that photo is a little boy who was loved beyond measure.”

Gemma said she hoped Coventry would take appropriate action and that the boy’s family would help him understand the hurt caused by his actions. She also stressed that she did not want people to direct hatred towards him, saying she wanted him to learn from what had happened.

The footage prompted anger on social media, where users condemned the apparent taunt and some called for the individual to receive a lifetime ban. Others responded by recalling Bradley’s courage during his illness and the positive effect he had on the football community.

Hundreds of people donated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation over the weekend. Messages accompanying donations rejected the supporter’s behaviour and expressed support for the foundation’s work. One said a single fan did not represent Coventry City, while another highlighted Bradley’s ability to bring supporters of rival clubs together.