Bradley Lowery's mum has slammed the "unforgiveable" and "disrespectful" mocking of her son, who died from cancer in 2017.
The young football fan captured the hearts of fans across the UK during his brave battle against the disease aged just six. But a supporter during last week's clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland held up an image of Lowery in a sickening attempt to mock Black Cats fans.
The fan, Dale Houghton, 31, has pleaded guilty to a public order offence at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court following the incident. Pictures circulated on Twitter, showing two men laughing at Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium, with one of them – Houghton – holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
District Judge James Gould told him "your actions are utterly deplorable" and that all options were open when he is sentenced on November 17, including possible jail. And Bradley's mother Gemma has added her own condemnation.
Dale Houghton, front left, has pleaded guilty to a public order offence
Bradley was a huge fan of Sunderland before his death (Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)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.
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"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."
Bradley had been a a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
Sheffield Wednesday have also launched an investigation into the incident. The foundation set up in Bradley's honour also slammed the two men over their attempt to mock him, releasing a statement on behalf of the family.
Bradley tragically died in 2017 (PA)"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," it read.
"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.
"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."
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