30 September 2023 , 21:33
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Two men who appeared to mock Bradley Lowery during Sunderland's match at Sheffield Wednesday have been identified as brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
Young fan Bradley died in 2017 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The young Sunderland supporter was a popular figure with fans of the club, and struck up a friendship with former Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe.
The Championship team travelled to Sheffield Wednesday for a league match on Friday, winning 3-0 at Hillsborough. During the match, the two Wednesday fans, identified in multiple reports as Dale and Drew Houghton, were shown holding up a photo of Bradley on a phone while one of the pair appeared to be laughing.
Sheffield Wednesday issued an apology after the images were broadcast. They also said an investigation would take place, while Bradley's mother Gemma called for people to "let the police do their job" following the scenes.
“We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police," Sheffield Wednesday's statement read. “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
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JRI Orthopaedics, who say they previously employed Dale Houghton, put out a statement of their own on social media. "JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people," it read. "We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time."
Dale Houghton has been named in reports as one of the fans seen appearing to mock Bradley Lowery"Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media," a statement posted by Gemma Lowery began. "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.
It was Gemma who started a fundraising campaign in an effort to raise money for Bradley’s treatment in the USA. Around £1.3m was raised for the youngster, and the Bradley Lowery Foundation was later established in his name. Sheffield Wednesday supporters have since set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the foundation.
"Understandably people are angry, if I wasn't so upset I'd be angry too," the statement continued. "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.
Drew Houghton is reported to have been one of the individuals pictured appearing to mock Bradley Lowery
Bradley Lowery with former Sunderland striker 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."