An investigation has been launched following the circulation of a picture showing a Sheffield Wednesday fan displaying a picture of Bradley Lowery in an apparent mocking gesture.

The photograph, circulating on social media sites today (Saturday September 30), was apparently taken at last night’s Championship match against Sunderland, at Wednesday’s Hillsborough ground, which the visitors won 3-0.

On the image, one fan appears to be holding up a picture of Bradley, to the amusement of a fellow supporter standing alongside him in the stadium.

Update: Bradley Lowery: Two men arrested after Sheffield Wednesday match

The young Sunderland mascot was the boy from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, who touched the hearts of fans around the country with his battle suffering from the childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, prior to his death in 2017.

The Northern Echo: Bradley Lowery, whose infestious smile and spirit captured the hearts of football fans not only of

He formed a unique bond with his favourite Sunderland player at the time, striker Jermain Defoe, who was a high-profile supporter of the charity foundation set up in Bradley’s memory.

Read more: Celebrities join Bradley Lowery charity football match York

It continues to help youngsters afflicted with the disease and other childhood cancers.

The display of the image brought an outcry from fans on several football social media sites, many of whose readers called for the fans involved to be banned.

It triggered a response from Sheffied Wednesday which posted on its X (formerly Twitter) site: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.

“We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.

“We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”

Read more: Funds raised by Gleeson Homes for Bradley Lowery Foundation

It also triggered a response from other Wednesday fans, who set up a gofundme appeal to help the ongoing work of the foundation.

Co-founder of the foundation Lynn Murphy, who is its chief operating officer and trustee, said “unfortunately” Bradley’s parents, Gemma and Carl, had seen the picture and were upset that their son’s image had been used in such a fashion.

She said: ““Bradley’s family are aware of the image circulating around social media and are understandably very upset. 

“At the age of just six-years-old, Bradley brought the football community together, with his infectious smile and personality, so to see the image of him being portrayed in this light is extremely upsetting for everyone who knew and loved him.

“We are grateful to Sheffield Wednesday in their quick condemnation of the actions of the people involved.”

Read next:

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Ms Murphy said Sheffield Wednesday is one of the clubs the foundation has worked with in support of a young fan suffering a childhood illness. 

She added: “We continue to have a good relationship with the football club and understand this is an isolated incident and we thank the wider football community for their continued support of the Bradley Lowery Foundation.” 

Apart from helping to support families of young cancer victims the foundation is funding the building of a respite holiday home in Scarborough, which is in an advanced development stage.