A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and bailed with conditions after an incident during Coventry's 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday. West Midlands Police confirmed on Sunday that the boy had handed himself in while officers investigated what happened at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Police statement
West Midlands Police said the incident took place during Saturday's match in Coventry. A West Midlands Police statement on Tuesday said: "A teenage boy arrested on suspicion of a public order offence in Coventry has been bailed with conditions."
In their statement on Sunday, West Midlands Police had added: "We understand the upset and outrage this video has caused in the community and to the victim’s family and our officers are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation and working closely alongside both football clubs."
Video from the home end
A video emerged on Saturday of a young supporter in the home end holding up a picture of Bradley Lowery on his phone and pointing to the screen while smirking.
He was holding the screen towards the Sunderland fans in the away end.
Coventry response
Coventry said they were aware of the social media footage and added: "The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."
Statement from Gemma
Lowery’s mother, Gemma, issued a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation on Sunday. She said her "beautiful boy" Bradley "deserves to be remembered with love, not hate".
Gemma also said: "To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt."
She added: "We are a football-loving family who follow Sunderland home and away. I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?"
Gemma also said: "I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed towards him, so please please don’t, just for him to learn from this."
