The fundraiser set up to benefit the Bradley Lowery Foundation in the light of events during Friday’s Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland football match has now raised more than £9,000.

South Yorkshire Police has arrested two Wednesday fans for outraging public decency after an image of Bradley, the Sunderland mascot who died from neuroblastoma in 2017, was apparently used to goad visiting supporters at Hillsborough during the Championship fixture.

The arrests, of men aged 31 and 27, on Saturday, followed condemnation of the actions of the fans by Sheffield Wednesday FC which said it was working with Yorkshire Police to investigate the incident.

A statement by the Bradley Lowery Foundation, the charity set up by his mother Gemma, in the light of the six-year-old County Durham boy’s death, said she and Bradley’s father, Carl, were “upset” that their son’s image had been used in such a manner.

The Northern Echo: Fund set up by Sheffield Wednesday fans to aid the Bradley Lowery Foundation surpasses £5k target

Gemma Lowery, herself, later posted: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.

“I have received a visit from Durham Police to check that I’m okay, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire Police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.

“Understandably people are angry. If I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry too.

Read more: Sheffield Wednesday fans used Bradley Lowery image against Sunderland

“Bradley was, and still is, well loved in the football community, which I’m eternally grateful for, but I must ask that everyone lets the police do their job and deal with the low lifes.

“I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday for their quick condemnation and the support their fans have shown.

“Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and, as we all know, it can effect anyone at any time.

“Thank you all for your kind words. It has really helped and let’s do what do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation.”

The Northern Echo:

Some other Sheffield Wednesday fans, sickened by the alleged actions of supporters of their club, responded by setting up a Gofundme appeal to benefit the foundation, with the aim of raising £5,000.

Leanne Wood, who organised the fundraiser, said: “In light of the recent sickening images circulating from the football fixture between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sunderland AFC at Hillsborough, on Friday, September 29, 2023, Sheffield Wednesday fans would like to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation to show our support and stand up against this type of behaviour in football."

Read more: Gofundme appeal set up in support of Bradley Lowery Foundation

The target was surpassed overnight, with the total standing at £9,025, from 595 donations, including one of £1,000, shortly after 4pm today (Sunday, October 1).

The Northern Echo: Gofundme appeal launched by Sheffield Wednesday fans in support of The Bradley Lowery Foundation

Fans who made donations posted comments condemning the alleged gesture made using Bradley’s image.

One, James Barrett said: “Absolutely disgusted by this. Sorry for the distress caused to all Bradley’s family and those associated with Sunderland by the disgraceful actions of our supposed fans. RIP Bradley.”

Another, Shaun Beer, said: “These people are not representative of my club. RIP little man. You were braver than they ever could be.”

Steve Morris said: “Currently in the middle of a cancer battle myself and I cannot imagine how kids go through this fight. He was a real trooper.

“These idiots don’t represent me as a SWFC fan or as a human being on any level.

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“I don’t usually apologise to Bradley’s family and to Sunderland fans everywhere.

“They are not me and I’m sorry they did this.”

Donations can be made on the gofundme page: SWFC fans support the Bradley Lowery Foundation.