West Midlands Police arrest teenager over Bradley Lowery photo

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence following an incident during a Premier League match between Coventry City and Sunderland. The arrest follows social media footage appearing to show the teenager taunting Sunderland supporters by displaying a photograph of Bradley Lowery on a mobile phone.

Bradley Lowery was a young Sunderland fan who died in 2017 at the age of six after battling a rare childhood cancer. The teenager subsequently handed himself in to West Midlands Police and was released on bail while investigations continue. Coventry City has also announced an internal investigation into the matter.

Bradley’s mother, Gemma Lowery, released a statement expressing her heartbreak over the use of a cherished memory to provoke fans. She noted that while she supports football banter, mocking a child who died from cancer is not acceptable. She requested that no hatred be directed toward the young individual, hoping instead that he learns from the impact of his actions.