For Gemma Lowery, one detail of Sunday’s incident at the Coventry Building Society Arena was impossible to overlook.

“I have also been informed that he is only 14 years old, same age as Bradley would be now if he was still with us,” she said in a statement shared through the Bradley Lowery Foundation and reported by the Sunderland Echo.

A video that spread across social media after Coventry’s 3-1 Championship win over Sunderland appeared to show a home supporter brandishing a phone photograph of Bradley Lowery to goad travelling fans. A day later, West Midlands Police confirmed a 14-year-old boy had come forward on his own.

“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,” the force said in a statement carried by Yahoo Sports.

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“We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim’s family.”

Coventry City pledge to act

The Sky Blues said they were aware of the footage and would work with the authorities.

“Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Championship 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 Lowery died in 2017, aged six, after a long fight with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. He had been adopted as a mascot by his beloved Sunderland and became one of the most recognisable child supporters in English football. The image on the Coventry fan’s phone, Gemma Lowery told the Sunderland Echo, was one of her favourite photographs of her son.

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‘Not banter’, but no witch-hunt

Gemma Lowery told the public she did not want the boy chased or threatened.

“I really want to urge everyone not to take matters into their own hands or direct any hate, threats or harm towards this young boy or his family,” she said, according to the Sunderland Echo.

Her statement also framed what she called the limit of stadium rivalry.

“I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?”

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She asked instead that the teenager’s family use the moment as a lesson.

“I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don’t, just for him to learn from this.”

The 14-year-old is due to be interviewed by West Midlands Police in the coming days. Coventry City have not yet said what action they will take against the supporter.

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