A “DEPLORABLE” football fan today admitted using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to “taunt” Sunderland supporters.
Two men were seen displaying the image of Bradley, who died from cancer aged six, during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday.
Dale Houghton has been charged after the picture was used to mock fans
PA:Press AssociationSunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged six[/caption]
Dale Houghton, 31, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court where he admitted a Public Order offence.
He was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football fans.
In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions,’ she said. ‘I find it hard to put into words.
“It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
“This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
“I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from Hillsborough were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up by the youngster’s mum Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
Getty Images – GettyJermain Defoe struck up a close friendship with Bradley[/caption]
Getty – ContributorA charity set up by mum Gemma slammed the fan on Facebook[/caption]
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