Sheffield Wednesday have released a statement after two of their fans were pictured mocking the memory of Bradley Lowery, a Sunderland fan who passed away at 6 years old after losing his battle to a rare form of cancer.

South Yorkshire Police together with Sheffield Wednesday have launched an investigation into the two supporters, who were pictured holding up a photograph of Bradley on a phone and laughing during the Owls 3-0 loss to Sunderland on Saturday.

A statement released by Sheffield Wednesday after the images made the rounds on social media, read: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.

“We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”

Bradley won the hearts of the nation and struck up a special friendship with former Sunderland striker Jermaine Defoe before his tragic death in 2017. The Black Cats superfan was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 18 months old, an embryonal tumour, that develops from the cells left behind from a baby’s development in the womb.

His near-lifelong battle with the disease and his bravery saw him capture widespread attention and raise awareness for the illness, which affects around 100 children each year in the UK. He appeared as a special guest at the BBC‘s Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2016 and as a mascot alongside Defoe at the Stadium of Light, always with an infectious smile on his face.

Sheffield Wednesday fans have also set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the Bradley Lowery Foundation in response to the “sickening” images. The description on the page reads: “In light of the recent, sickening images circulating from the football fixture between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sunderland AFC at Hillsborough on Friday 29th September 23, Sheffield Wednesday fans would like to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation to show our support and stand up against this type of behaviour in football.

“More information about The Bradley Lowery Foundation: Support and fund-raise for Children needing medical equipment or treatment not available on the NHS.”