Ex-Sunderland player condemns Sheffield Wednesday fan who mocked boy's death.
Jermain Defoe has said he was "appalled and saddened" by a Sheffield Wednesday supporter who mocked the death of Sunderland mascot Bradley Lowery.
Dale Houghton, 31, taunted opposition fans with an image of the six-year-old when the two teams played on Friday.Ex-Sunderland striker Defoe formed a close bond with Bradley, who he called his "best mate", before his death from cancer in 2017. Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer - when he was 18 months old.
Defoe said he was "one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us". Houghton, from Rotherham, was charged after pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium on Friday, as the defendantHe added: "My thoughts at this time go out to [Bradley's parents] Gemma and Carl, who shouldn't have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son's memory.
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Bradley Lowery: Jermain Defoe 'appalled and saddened' by man who mocked death of child mascotFormer England star Defoe - who forged a close friendship with Bradley while playing for Sunderland - said the youngster was 'one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen'.
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Jermain Defoe 'appalled and saddened' by man who mocked Bradley Lowery's deathThe former England striker and Bradley became close friends whilst he was playing for Sunderland.
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