Following reports that Bradley Lowery’s image was used as a taunt at a football game, fans have donated thousands of pounds to a charity set up in his memory. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency at Sunderland’s match against Sheffield Wednesday. Bradley was a six-year-old cancer patient and supporter of Sunderland, who served as a mascot for the team. The Bradley Lowery Foundation has said that it has been overwhelmed by donations from Wednesday fans, with more than £6,000 raised so far. The money is set to be contributed to the charity’s holiday home fund, which is based in Scarborough.
South Yorkshire Police commenced an investigation after fans appeared to have mocked the death of Bradley during Friday’s match. Bradley, who was of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was a year and a half old. He was a “best mate” of striker Jermain Defoe. Sheffield Wednesday lost 3-0 at Friday’s game. Two men were arrested on Saturday and remain in custody, according to police.
The GoFundMe page, created by Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters’ Group, garnered numerous donations and messages of support for Bradley’s family. One supporter felt “ashamed to be an Owls fan when I saw those photos” and another commented that “it’s a wonderful cause.” Others expressed that they feel solidarity with Bradley’s cause and the fight against cancer more broadly.
It should be noted that the views of a couple of fans who apparently mocked Bradley in the match are not the views of the vast majority of football supporters. Nevertheless, the solidarity demonstrated in response to such behavior is a heartening testament to the power of compassion and community spirit.
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