Boy, 14, hands himself in to police over Bradley Lowery video as mother pleads for “no hatred”

A 14-year-old boy has handed himself in to West Midlands Police after the Bradley Lowery video, which appeared to show a fan taunting Sunderland supporters with a photograph of the late boy, spread across social media following Saturday’s Premier League match between Coventry City and Sunderland.

No one has been charged. The force said an investigation has been launched and that the boy “will be spoken with in due course”. Because of his age, he cannot be identified.

What police and the clubs have said

In a statement, West Midlands Police said it was aware of a video circulating online showing an incident at the fixture. Officers acknowledged “the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim’s family”. They added that they are keeping the family updated and are working closely with both football clubs.

Coventry said it was aware of the footage and was looking into it. The club said it “does not tolerate offensive behaviour” and would liaise with the relevant authorities to decide on the appropriate course of action.

Gemma Lowery’s response

Bradley Lowery was a devoted Sunderland fan who died in 2017, aged six, from neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. His story captured the attention of the wider football world, and Sunderland honoured him again in May.

His mother, Gemma, responded to the Bradley Lowery video through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to support children with cancer, and in a post on Instagram. She said it was heartbreaking to see the image used this way, particularly because it is “one of my favourite photographs of him”.

She described a day when Bradley was “so happy, having so much fun”, and noted that such moments were rare in a short life largely spent undergoing cancer treatment. “I’m all for football banter,” she said, “but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?”

Her statement was notably free of anger towards the teenager. She said she did not want hatred directed at him and asked people not to do so. Her hope, she said, was that he would “learn from this”, and that his family would help him understand the hurt caused. She also hoped the club would take appropriate action.

What happens next

It is not yet clear what, if anything, will follow from the police interview. The sources do not say whether the boy has been arrested or what offence, if any, is being considered. Anyone involved is entitled to the presumption of innocence while enquiries continue.

For now, the Bradley Lowery video has prompted a clear public statement from police, an assurance from Coventry that it will co-operate, and a request from Bradley’s mother that the response be one of understanding rather than abuse. She thanked those who had defended her son, saying their support “means more than you know”.

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