Bradley Lowery's mum issues heartbreaking statement after alleged vile taunt in Coventry game

Bradley Lowery's mother has called for her late son to be remembered with love after footage emerged appearing to show a Coventry fan delivering a sick taunt to Sunderland supporters using her son's photograph. Gemma Lowery has now released an emotional statement lamenting the 'heartbreaking' incident.

Bradley touched the hearts of Sunderland fans and football supporters across the nation as he battled neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He tragically died aged just six in July 2017, but his legacy continues through the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

In a statement shared through the foundation, Gemma, who has called out similar behaviour in the past, said: "My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate.

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

"Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters. As Bradley’s mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it’s one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between. So much of Bradley’s short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face. To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt."

Gemma included a broken heart emoji and added: "We are a football-loving family who follow Sunderland home and away. I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter? I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were.

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

“I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this. Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day. Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know.

"What some people don’t realise is that Bradley’s story didn’t end when his life did. Because of Bradley, children’s lives are being saved, hundreds of families have received vital support, and children facing unimaginable battles are being given hope.

"Through Super Brad’s Pad, families can escape hospital life, spend precious time together and make memories that last forever. That is Bradley’s legacy. The difference my little boy continues to make in this world. No amount of cruelty will ever take that away.

"So rather than let this photograph be remembered for hatred, I want it remembered for what it truly represents. My beautiful little boy, enjoying one of the happiest days of his life, with the biggest smile on his face. #CancerHasNoColours. That is how I want the world to remember him.”

Coventry City said in a statement: "Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."

Bradley struck up a touching relationship with then-Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe in 2017. The youngster was a mascot for the Black Cats against Everton, where he was introduced to his hero before they maintained a friendship.

"He will always be in my heart, for the rest of my life," Defoe said in 2023. "There's not a day that goes past where I don't wake up and think about little Bradley, because his love is genuine."

Gemma told Defoe that his friendship had meant a lot. "When you came to the hospital he jumped on his bed and fell asleep cuddling you," she said.

"All he wanted was a cuddle. You're from totally different backgrounds, totally different cultures, but that connection was instant."

Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just 18 months old. Thousands lined the streets for his funeral in Blackhall Colliery in County Durham.

The route to the church was adorned with balloons and tributes, with messages left at the Stadium of Light. Bradley's family also wore football shirts in his honour.