Bradley Lowery: police confirm boy has handed himself in as mother appeals for love, not hate

A boy has handed himself in to West Midlands Police following an alleged taunt involving a photograph of Bradley Lowery at Coventry City’s match against Sunderland, the force has confirmed in a statement reported by the Press Association.

Police have launched an investigation into footage circulating from Saturday’s fixture. The force said the boy would be spoken with in due course, and officers were keeping Bradley’s family informed while working with both clubs.

The update is contained in a Press Association report published by The Irish News on 1 November. The statement does not announce an arrest or charge.

Coventry City investigate footage

Coventry City said they were aware of footage relating to an incident during the Sunderland fixture. The club said it does not tolerate offensive behaviour and would work with the relevant authorities to decide the appropriate action.

The footage reportedly appears to show a supporter holding up Bradley’s photograph towards Sunderland fans. We are using a still with faces and the phone blurred to protect identities.

Gemma Lowery appeals for love and no abuse

Bradley’s mother Gemma described seeing the photograph used in this way as heartbreaking. She explained that it captured a precious happy memory during a childhood in which so much time was spent undergoing cancer treatment.

In her statement, also reported by ITV News, she said: “My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate.”

Gemma asked for appropriate action and for the young person’s family to help him understand the distress caused. She explicitly urged people not to direct hatred towards him, saying she wanted him to learn from what happened.

Fans react

Replies to a Proper Football post reflected condemnation of the alleged behaviour, alongside calls for proportionate action and concern for the child’s welfare.

Steph Goldie wrote: “He does not represent Coventry fans. For the record.”

Stuart Brooks called for an apology to Bradley’s family and both clubs, arguing against a lifetime ban and saying the child could learn from what happened. Jane Bissell also urged an apology while expressing concern about the effect of threatening comments.

Remembering Bradley

Bradley died aged six in 2017 after suffering from neuroblastoma. His connection with Sunderland and friendship with Jermain Defoe brought support from across football. The Bradley Lowery Foundation continues to support children and families.

Names, faces, social media handles and other identifying details of children involved are withheld.