The two Sheffield Wednesday supporters were detained after they were accused of mocking Sunderland AFC fans by holding up a photo of a young Black Cat who had passed away from cancer.
Two Sheffield Wednesday supporters who were detained in relation to an incident at Hillsborough when it is alleged that they were insulted with a picture of a child cancer victim have been charged by the police.
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, South Yorkshire Police said that two men, aged 27 and 31, had been detained on suspicion of violating public decency in relation to the alleged incident at Hillsborough Stadium on Friday, September 28, 2023.
After the Owls lost 3-0 to the Black Cats in their Championship match at Hillsborough on Friday, September 29, 2023 Adve, video that appeared to show two men laughing as one of them held up a cellphone seemingly showing a photo of young Bradley Lowery in a Sunderland kit went viral online, two men have been arrested.
A representative for South Yorkshire Police told The Star in an interview this afternoon (Sunday, October 1, 2023) that no charges have been filed yet, and the two individuals are still being held.
Bradley had a rare form of childhood cancer, which was discovered when he was just 18 months old. He died in 2017 at the age of six.
A representative for Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement before the arrests were made: “We are aware of the photos circulating and have initiated an immediate investigation alongside South Yorkshire Police.
We categorically reject this outrageous and wholly abhorrent behavior. We can only express our regret for the unquestionable grief this has caused Bradley’s family and friends.
“Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving numerous calls and messages regarding a photo trending on social media,” reads a statement on the Bradley Lowery Foundation page on Facebook. When the Durham Police visited me to make sure I was okay, they also told Carl and me that Yorkshire police were now looking into the incident and were treating it seriously.
“It makes sense that people are angry; if I weren’t so upset, I would be angry as well. I’m sincerely appreciative that Bradley was and continues to be well-liked by the football community, but I must kindly ask that everyone refrain from interfering with the police’s efforts to deal with the criminals.
“I want to express my gratitude to Sheffield Wednesday for their prompt condemnation and their supporters’ outpouring of support. Cancer, as we frequently remind people, HAS NO COLORS and can strike anyone at any time.
“Thank you all for your kind words; they have really helped. Now let’s do what the Bradley Lowery Foundation does best, which is to turn this bad situation around.”
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