11 December 2023 , 13:42
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West Bromwich Albion have suspended a supporter over a social media post about Bradley Lowery following their defeat to Sunderland.
Bradley passed away at the age of six in 2017 after battling neuroblastma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He had raised millions for charity and became an inspiration for football fans after appearing as a mascot for England and his beloved Sunderland.
West Brom were beaten 2-1 by the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light in the Championship on Saturday and a vile post emerged on social media in the aftermath of that match.
Police have launched an inquiry into the post which remains ongoing, with West Brom confirming the individual had been suspended and could potentially face a lifetime ban.
A statement read: "West Bromwich Albion are assisting police with their inquiries after being alerted to a hateful social media post referencing Bradley Lowery in the wake of the club’s defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
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"Bradley was an inspirational young Sunderland fan who captured the heart of the nation as he bravely battled Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma - a rare form of childhood cancer – before his tragic passing, aged just six, in 2017.
"Albion have identified and suspended the account of a supporter pending further legal inquiries and reserves the right to issue an indefinite club ban. The club are appalled by the disgusting post and offer their sincere apologies to Sunderland AFC and the Lowery family."
The incident comes a month after Sheffield Wednesday fan Dale Houghton avoided jail after using a picture of Bradley to mock Sunderland supporters during a match at Hillsborough.
Bradley Lowery became a mascot for Sunderland (Getty Images)Houghton, who was charged with a public order offence and handed a suspended sentence, was also banned from all football stadiums for five years. During his sentencing, his actions were slammed as "utterly appalling".
Bradley's mum Gemma told the Mirror earlier this year how Houghton's actions had affected her family deeply. She said: "It was like a dagger to my heart and I got really really upset about that. What they did was intentional and they had no remorse for doing it."
Sheffield Wednesday fans set up a fundraising campaign in the aftermath of the incident for the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up to provide support for families who are affected.
Sunderland won the clash at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Daniel Ballard and Dan Neil. The win takes them into the Championship play-off places, two points behind West Brom.