A man has been charged with a public order offence after a picture of Bradley Lowery was displayed to ‘taunt opposition fans’ during Friday’s clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland.
Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, was arrested by South Yorkshire Police on September 30, 2023 after shocking pictures emerged showing a supporter displaying an image of six-year-old cancer victim Lowery at the game.
Sunderland fan Lowery, who captured the hearts of a nation with his smile and love for football, sadly lost his battle with neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer – in July 2017.
The six-year-old struck up a close friendship with former England international Jermain Defoe, and was a mascot on numerous occasions. He also helped raise over £1 million for charity.
Houghton is due to appear in court this Monday.
South Yorkshire Police said Mr Houghton had been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.
He has been charged under section 4a of the Public Order Act – causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress – and also faces a football banning order.
A statement from the force said a 27-year-old man who was also arrested on Saturday has been released on bail “while further enquiries are conducted.”
Sheffield Wednesday fans have donated thousands of pounds to a foundation set up in Bradley Lowery’s name since reports of the alleged offence circulated online.
A statement from the Bradley Lowery Foundation said it had been “so overwhelmed” and was “thankful” for the support.