The vile football lads who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery have been revealed to be brothers.
Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically passed away aged just six in 2017.
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Disgusting fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield Wednesday
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His mum has now shared her heartbreak on Facebook Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
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The two were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured) Credit: Facebook
He was the mascot of his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
Images circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing the two men laughing at Sheffield Wednesday’s game against Sunderland at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding a picture of Bradley to the camera.
It has now been revealed that the two sons were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
Dale’s former employer, JRI Orthopedics, condemned his actions and said he had “not been employed” there for “some time”.
The full statement reads: “JRI wants to make it clear that we do not condone the posts and images that have upset so many people.
“We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is a former employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the company for some time.”
In a Facebook post, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad to see – whatever happens to ‘cancer has no colour’, let alone respect for a family who have lost their child to cancer?”
The family’s statement read: “Today was not the Saturday I expected after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding the photo that has been circulating on social media.
“Durham Police visited me to check on me and they informed me and Carl that Yorkshire Police are now dealing with the situation and are taking it very seriously.
“It’s understandable that people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I would be angry.
“Bradley was and still is loved in the football community, as I am [sic] grateful, but I must ask that everyone let the police do their job and deal with bad lives.
“I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday for their swift judgment and the support shown by their fans.
“As we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOR, and as we all know, it can strike anyone at any time.
“Thank you all for your kind words, it really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
A Sheffield Wednesday spokesman described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” at X, while South Yorkshire Police said they were working with the club to identify the men.
A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a public order offense following yesterday’s Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match.
“We will work with the club to identify those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact them online or on 101.
Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an urgent investigation alongside South Yorkshire Police.
“We strongly condemn this outrageous and extremely deplorable behavior.
“We can only apologize for the undoubted suffering we have caused Bradley’s family and friends.”
Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best friend” Bradley – saying his favorite part of playing for Sunderland was getting on the pitch with the brave youngster.
Defoe said he was devastated when he discovered the brave child could only have a few weeks to live.
After Bradley’s death, social media was flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in support of him.
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Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe while playing for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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JRI claimed he had ‘not been employed’ there ‘for some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopedics
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Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
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Football-crazy six-year-old wins British heartsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield Wednesday
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn