Coventry are investigating footage which appears to show one of their supporters using a photo of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland fans during Saturday’s Premier League match between the sides.

Sunderland fan Lowery captured the hearts of the football world during his battle with neuroblastoma - a rare and aggressive type of cancer. He went on to be the club’s mascot and became “best mates” with his idol, striker Jermaine Defoe. He died aged six in 2017.

During Coventry’s 3-1 win over the Black Cats, a young spectator in the home end of the Coventry Building Society Arena was filmed smirking while seeming to point at a picture of Lowery displayed on his phone.

A statement from the Sky Blues 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.”

The Independent has contacted West Midlands Police for comment.

Lowery’s legacy lives on through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for children and families requiring treatment which is not readily available through the NHS.

However, fan incidents relating to Lowery’s death are not unheard of, with a Sheffield Wednesday supporter being handed a suspended 12-month prison sentence for a similar incident back in 2023.

Lowery’s mother, Gemma, on Sunday issued an emotional statement through the Foundation after the video at Coventry became widely shared on social media.

She said: “My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate.

“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.”