Coventry fan, 14, hands himself in after Bradley Lowery taunt

Gemma Lowery issued a statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to help and support children with cancer, saying her “beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate”.

She posted on Instagram: “As Bradley’s mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it’s one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile.

“I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between.

“So much of Bradley’s short life was spent battling cancer and enduring treatments no child should ever face.

“To see such a beautiful memory used in such a cruel way really does make my heart hurt.”

She added: “I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter?”

The mother said she hoped the club took “appropriate action” and the individual’s family helped 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,” she said.

“Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know.”