Bradley Lowery’s mum speaks out on the two ‘low lives’ as Sheff Wed fans raise over £17,000 for the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
A man has been charged after they received reports of an image showing Bradley Lowery, used to taunt Sunderland fans.
The alleged incident took place at Sheffield Wednesday’s home game on Friday night against Sunderland – who are the team the six-year-old boy supported before he died of cancer in 2017.
Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, has been charged with a public order offence after being arrested on Saturday.
A second man, 27, was also arrested and has been released on bail while further enquiries are conducted.
In court on Monday, South Yorkshire Police said Mr Houghton had been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.
He has been charged under section 4a of the Public Order Act – causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress – and also faces a football banning order.
Houghton was criticised by Bradley’s mum Gemma for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
“It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
“This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
“I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
Prosecutor Jade Short said Dale Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion” with court hearing that the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
The court was also told Houghton also lost his job as a window fitter following his sick way to wind up the away end, and faces a ban from attending matches.
Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
Judge James Gould bailed him on the condition he doesn’t attend any games.
Houghton has also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
A man has been charged with a public order offence after two men reportedly displayed an image of six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match on Friday.
Full update: https://t.co/D3ESNAg9zZ pic.twitter.com/FPaxdQO1ud
— South Yorkshire Police (@syptweet) October 1, 2023
POLICE STATEMENT:
Officers have arrested two men in connection to an on-going investigation into public order offences following a football match.
Yesterday (29 September) two men were reported to have carried out an act of outraging public decency following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture held at Hillsborough.
Officers have this evening (30 September) arrested two men aged 31 and 27 on suspicion of outraging public decency. They both remain in police custody.
We are in the early stages of our investigation and continue to urge anyone who believes they have information that can assist to get in touch online, via live chat or by calling 101.
Sheffield Wednesday fans have donated thousands of pounds to a foundation set up in Bradley Lowery’s name since reports of the alleged offence circulated online.
A statement from the Bradley Lowery foundation said it had been “so overwhelmed” and was “thankful” for the support.
On the 30th of September 2023, she wrote: “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 to.
“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 ❤️❤️❤️ #cancerhasnocolours #onlyonebradleylowery”
Then she said amid an update that police had taken action on the culprits: “First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contacted myself and the charity to condemn the behaviour at a recent football game.
“I have spoken with police today, who have confirmed the images being circulated are authentic and they are continuing their investigation after the arrest of the 2 men.
“I want to say a huge thank you to South Yorkshire police, SWFC, SWFC women’s supporters group for setting up a fundraiser (link below) to which will be using towards #superbradspad, and their amazing fans, you really have shown that Cancer Has No Colours, and that behaviour like this is not tolerated.
“Thank you all for your continued support ❤️
Twitter users reacted as Bradley Lowery’s mum speaks on the ‘low lives’ while Sheff Wed fans raise over £17,000 for the foundation…
@robertwynne4:
The true fan’s of football would all do the same
Every club unfortunately has them
Hard to control
But at least they won’t taint your club anymore and tbf they have only tainted themselves as your genuine supporters have shown just how good they are
Football community wins in end
@IAmLW_88: Absolutely amazing. Being originally from Nottingham I can vouch that you lot are normally good people, what you have done proves it. Brilliant effort 🙌🙌🙌❤️
@Martin94334210: Well done, turned a negative into a massive positive
@StevenAshett: Well done to all the true decent SWFC supporters, your a credit to your club 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@traceythompson_: Donated, from an @dcfcofficial fan
@Hopposwfc: Great response from the proper Wednesday fans.
@MadreOnAMission: Absolutely amazing! over £16,900. I hope it can run a bit longer. I know times are hard right now but this money will go towards helping seriously ill children have some respite. It’s truly heartwarming to see ❤️💙 Think Gemma could do with DIY SOS to help her!
@LeighMa79471576: Every club in the land has a pair of bellends, these two are quite unique they might be the best ever that’s been barred out of their own club, ha 🤡🤡
@Justmeupnorth: I’m glad to hear some good has come out of a truly awful, cruel & callous incident. We’re not all inhumane morons. #BradleyLowery
@Owl400x: Well done for finding them no place for this no matter what the excuse is 👏👏
@SAFCSZN_: Should never be allowed in a football ground again. #SAFC #SWFC
@joel_gradwell: Good. Pair of rats.
@S_BaileyITFC: Bet they’re feeling a bit sorry for themselves. Why do it. Idiots.
@TrueBlade1889: Scum of the earth these lads. Football banters one thing but going that far over the line, disgusting. Hope they rot 🤷🏻♂️
@added_on_time: Glad this has swiftly happened! Chuck the book at them! No time for sick stains on society like them! And make sure they have to put a substantial figure towards Bradley’s foundation!
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