30 September 2023 , 15:04
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Sheffield Wednesday have apologised and launched an investigation alongside South Yorkshire Police after a supporter shockingly held up an image of Bradley Lowery during their side’s defeat to Sunderland.
A picture circulated on social media on Saturday appearing to show a fan holding up a picture of Lowery towards the away end at Hillsborough and laughing alongside a fellow supporter. The two men have reportedly been identified as brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
A statement from Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon read: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
“We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
Mirror Football have also approached Sunderland AFC for comment. Meanwhile, Bradley's mum Gemma has since penned a statement condemning the behaviour. "Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media," she said on social media.
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"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 enternaly grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
Bradley Lowery struck up a heart-warming friendship with Jermain Defoe (Getty Images)"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."
Lowery became a popular figure among the Sunderland faithful amid his fight against neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer. He struck up a touching relationship with former England striker Jermain Defoe, while also becoming the club’s mascot. His mum Gemma started a fundraising campaign in an effort to raise much-needed cash for Bradley’s treatment in the USA.
Around £1.3m was raised for the youngster before he sadly died back in July 2017. Defoe paid a touching tribute to Lowery after his death. He wrote: “Goodbye my friend, gonna miss you lots. I feel so blessed God brought you into my life and for some amazing moments with you. For that I’m so grateful.
“I’ll never forget the way you looked at me when I met you for the first time, the genuine love in those cute eyes. Really finding it hard to find words to express what you mean to me.”
A foundation was subsequently set up in his name in an effort to help others suffering from the disease. In the aftermath of Friday’s incident, some Sheffield Wednesday fans set up a GoFundMe page for the Bradley Lowery Foundation in response.
The Championship side’s basement club have been embroiled in turmoil this season and endured another miserable evening at Hillsborough. The behaviour from a very small minority of fans came during the Owls’ latest defeat.