Coventry City fan arrested after alleged taunt using photo of late Bradley Lowery

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and subsequently bailed following an incident during a football match between Coventry City and AFC Sunderland. Video footage circulating on social media allegedly shows the young supporter using a mobile phone to display a photograph of Bradley Lowery to Sunderland fans.

Bradley Lowery was a six-year-old Sunderland supporter who died in 2017 after a battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He was widely recognized for his close bond with player Jermain Defoe and became a symbol of hope within the football community.

Coventry City issued a statement condemning the behavior, asserting that the club does not tolerate offensive conduct and is working with authorities to determine appropriate actions. West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the footage and have spoken with the teenager.

Gemma Lowery, Bradley’s mother, described the incident as heartbreaking. While calling for appropriate measures to be taken, she urged the public not to direct hatred or online abuse toward the teenager, requesting instead that his family help him understand the distress caused by his actions.