Bradley Lowery's mum has released a heartbreaking statement after a Coventry fan appeared to use his photograph to taunt Sunderland supporters.

The deplorable behaviour came during the Premier League clash between the two sides on Saturday, which the Sky Blues won 3-1.

A video on social media showed a supporter holding up a picture of Bradley - who tragically died from a rare form of childhood cancer at the age of six in 2017 - smiling in the direction of Sunderland fans, with the individual pointing at it and seen smirking at the same time.

And, in a statement on Sunday morning after the behaviour of the Coventry fan went viral, Bradley's mum Gemma shared a heartbreaking message. 

'My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate,' she wrote. '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.

'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.

'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.'

Gemma continued: '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. That is how I want the world to remember him. #CancerHasNoColours.'

A 14-year-old boy has 'handed himself in' to West Midlands Police in relation to the incident.

'We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an incident at Coventry City's Premier League match with Sunderland,' a police statement said.

'A thorough investigation has been launched, and a 14-year-old boy has since handed himself in and will be spoken with in due course.

'We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim's family, and our officers are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation and working closely alongside both football clubs.'

Coventry condemned the shameful behaviour in a strongly-worded statement on Saturday.

It read: '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 was previously used by a fan as a taunt back in 2023 when Sheffield Wednesday supporter Dale Houghton was seen holding up a picture of him at a match against Sunderland and laughing. 

Houghton was subsequently handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work.

Bradley touched the hearts of football fans across the UK during his battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, before he tragically passed away aged just six in 2017. 

The Bradley Lowery Foundation was set up in his honour, with the charity aiming to help families who are fundraising for treatment or equipment that is not readily available or covered by the NHS, while it also supports research into various childhood cancers, including neuroblastoma. 

Bradley, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just 18 months old, also built up a touching relationship with Jermain Defoe, who later called him his 'best mate'.

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