Explainers

A TWISTED football fan held up a picture of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland supporters at a match.Dale Houghton, 31, was seen grinning as he showed the image from his phone at the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Dale Houghton is due to be sentenced on November 17 and could face jail timeCredit: Facebook
The 31-year-old was charged with a Public Order Offence after his arrestCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
Who is Dale Houghton? 
Houghton was arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency following the disgraceful incident.
Prosecutor Jade Short spoke at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today and told the court Houghton viewed the picture as “enjoyable banter” and was smiling as he showed it.
Houghton has since lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act, the court heard.
Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
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A Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson told Mail Sport: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
“We roundly condemn this completely outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
What has Dale Houghton been charged with?
The sick football fan was charged with a Public Order Offence after his arrest.
He appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
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The 31-year-old now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the offence and is set to be sentenced on November 17.
Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
The disgraced fan is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
He was also slammed by Bradley’s mum, Gemma, for the “unforgivable” act.
In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
“It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
“This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
“I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
Who was Bradley Lowery?
Bradley Lowery was a Sunderland superfan who tragically died aged six, in 2017.
The brave little boy had been battling against a rare form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.
Bradley had been given the crushing diagnosis when he was just 18-months old.
After undergoing extensive surgery and pulling through chemotherapy, the footie-mad youngster went into remission for 18 months.
But the cancer returned in 2016 and his family were told the disease was terminal.
He captured the nation’s hearts appearing on the pitch alongside Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe several times.
The pair spent a lot of time with each other, including in the months before Bradley’s passing.
Defoe would text Gemma every morning asking for health updates on the brave boy.
The devastated football player paid an emotional tribute to his “best pal” following his death.
The club also honoured Bradley’s “indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile”.
The statement read: “Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all.
“He was truly an inspiration.
“His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met. He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see.
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“Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken.”
Following the sick incident involving Houghton, The Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up by Gemma, wrote on Facebook: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
Bradley Lowery on the pitch as a mascot for SunderlandCredit: PA:Press Association
The superfan struck up a close bond with captain Jermain DefoeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The little boy’s mum, Gemma, has spoken out about the pain Houghton’s actions causedCredit: Getty – Contributor More