Jemma Lowery has urged football supporters to remember her son Bradley with love following a video from the Coventry vs Sunderland match, where a young fan allegedly used his photo to provoke the away fans. She asked for no hatred in response to the incident.
Bradley, a Sunderland supporter, passed away in July 2017 at the age of six after battling neuroblastoma. His story resonated deeply within the football community, and the family later established the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
After a five-second clip was circulated, Jemma wrote:
My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate. A Coventry fan used Bradley’s photo to provoke Sunderland supporters yesterday.
As his mother, this breaks my heart, especially because it is one of my favourite pictures of my son. Just look at that smile.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday. He was so happy, having such a good time. Those moments were priceless because there were so few of them. Most of Bradley’s short life was spent battling cancer and undergoing treatment that no child should have to endure.
To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really hurts.
We are a football family who are always proud to support Sunderland, home and away. I’m okay with football banter, but can mocking a child who died of cancer be considered banter?
I hope the club takes appropriate action, and that the family of this young person helps him understand how painful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed at him now, so please don’t do that. I just want him to learn from what has happened.
Behind that photo is a little boy who was loved endlessly, and a family that misses him every day.
Jemma also thanked those who have supported the family since the video emerged:
Thank you to everyone who stood up for Bradley and showed us so much love. This means more to us than you can imagine.
Some do not understand that Bradley’s story did not end with his life.
Thanks to Bradley, children’s lives are being saved, hundreds of families have received vital support, and hope is being offered to children who are facing incredibly tough battles.
Through Super Brad’s Pad, families can briefly escape from hospital life, spend precious time together, and create memories that will last forever.
This is Bradley’s legacy. This is how my little boy continues to change the world. No cruelty will ever take that away.
So I don’t want this photo to be remembered for hatred. I want it to mean what it truly is.
My beautiful little boy enjoying one of the happiest days of his life with a huge smile on his face. That’s how I want the world to remember him. Forever six. Forever loved.
Similar incidents have occurred before, such as in 2023 when Sheffield Wednesday fan Dale Houghton mocked Bradley's memory. He later received a 12-month suspended sentence.
As of the publication, Coventry and Sunderland had not released official statements regarding the recent incident.
