Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of football fans across the country, and his mother, Gemma, has been left heartbroken following a taunt directed at Sunderland fans

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

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

In a statement shared through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, Gemma, who has called out similar behaviour in the past, 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."

Gemma added 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.

"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 have been approached for comment.