Know the latest updates about Dale Houghton, who was arrested by police for displaying images of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland fans
Dale Houghton is facing a public order charge for using a picture of Bradley Lowery in a provocative manner to provoke Sunderland supporters. On Friday evening, two individuals exhibited an image of the late six-year-old Black Cats enthusiast, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2017. Photographs circulated on X (formerly known as Twitter) depicted two individuals sharing a joyful moment, one of them holding up a picture of Bradley for the camera.
Who is Dale Houghton Sheffield Wednesday fan who mocked Sunderland fans with photo of dead Bradley Lowery
Dale and Drew Houghton at it again Friday/Saturday night it seems.
#SAFC pic.twitter.com/sapbJqmSAH
— Safcrepublic (@safcrepublic) October 1, 2023
Why Bradley Lowery has become an important part of the Sunderland FC?
Dale Houghton, aged 31 and hailing from Rotherham, is facing charges in connection with an incident that occurred at Hillsborough football stadium last Friday night. It is alleged that during a Sheffield Wednesday match against Sunderland, Houghton displayed a photograph on his mobile phone of Bradley Lowery, a young cancer victim and ardent Sunderland supporter who sadly passed away at the age of six. Bradley Lowery was known for his strong affiliation with Sunderland and frequently served as the club’s mascot. Notably, this incident occurred during an EFL Championship game featuring Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland, which ended 0-3 in the favor of Sunderland.
@JRIOrthopaedics Is this your employee Dale Houghton…? Picture appears to show him & his brother using the image of child, who recently died after a long illness, to taunt opposing Sunderland supporters at a football match last night… if so, have word will you! #sickbastards pic.twitter.com/ABzPGtAl4T
— AntiGobshite (@AntiGobshite) September 30, 2023
This is the moment #Sheffield Magistrates Court staff ushered Dale Houghton out the back door after he pleaded guilty to a public order offence
Houghton was photographed mocking Bradley Lowery during #SheffieldWednesday's game against Sunderland@SheffieldStar pic.twitter.com/w2vMv1vKyJ
— Harry Harrison (@hharrisonjourno) October 2, 2023
Bradley served as a mascot for his cherished Sunderland football team, and in the months leading up to his passing, he had the honor of walking alongside his hero, former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe, onto the field at Wembley Stadium. Young Bradley frequently accompanied his idol, Defoe, as a Sunderland mascot, forming a touching connection.
In June 2017, Defoe penned an emotional tribute to his best pal Bradley, highlighting that his favorite part of playing for Sunderland was the opportunity to walk onto the pitch with the courageous youngster. Defoe also shared the heartbreak he felt upon learning that Bradley had only a few weeks to live. Following Bradley’s passing, social media platforms were inundated with messages adorned with blue heart emojis as a heartfelt display of support for the young boy.
How police reacted to the aforementioned incident?
South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that Houghton has been charged with a Section 4a Public Order offense. He was arrested on September 30 and is currently in custody. Houghton is scheduled to appear before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, and the authorities have also requested a football banning order as part of the proceedings. In addition, a 27-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with this incident has been released on police bail pending further investigations.
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