Dale Houghton has been handed a suspended sentence and banned from football matches after making offensive remarks about the death of a child mascot at a game.
How the incident unfolded
Dale Houghton was found guilty of mocking the death of child mascot Bradley Lowery during a match at Hillsborough on September 29, 2023.
Bradley tragically lost his life to cancer in 2017 at the age of six and was taunted by 31-year-old Houghton, who was seen laughing and holding up a picture of the young boy during a game between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland on September 29.
Meanwhile, Houghton pleaded guilty to a public order offense for intentionally causing ‘harassment, alarm, or distress by displaying a threatening, abusive, or insulting visible representation.’
During the police interview, Houghton claimed that he was engaged in “standard football banter” with Sunderland fans, showing each other badges of their respective rivals, before he displayed a picture of Lowery that he had found after googling it.
The judge, on Friday, November 17 described Houghton’s actions as “utterly appalling” and “disgraceful,” and stated that the defendant “inflicted trauma on an already bereaved family.”
District Judge Marcus Waite scolded Dale Houghton, saying, “You displayed heartless disrespect towards a courageous young man who was rightfully revered by football fans everywhere.”
Following his unruly behavior, Houghton has been given a suspended 12-week custody sentence, a five-year banning order from all football stadiums, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Dale Houghton apologize for his action
Following the sentence meted on him, Houghton apologized for his actions at Sheffield Magistrates Court and his defense expressed his remorse to Bradley Lowery’s family and the public.
Houghton, who was intoxicated, left the game early after Wednesday went 2-0 down against Sunderland to go to the pub and was unaware of the impact of his actions until later.
The defense lawyer Connie Coombs acknowledged that her client recognized his actions as “outrageous”, “deplorable”, “atrocious”, and a “heinous act”.
Furthermore, she attributed the offense to “a moment of utter stupidity” amid a confrontation with Sunderland fans and stated that alcohol played a role in the incident, which was out of character for her client.
Bradley Lowery
Bradley Lowery was a young boy who gained national attention while battling cancer.
The six-year-old boy had captured the hearts of the nation when he served as a mascot for Sunderland and later England.
Following his painful passing from neuroblastoma, a fundraising campaign was set up by Sheffield Wednesday fans to support the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which assists affected families and has raised over £1 million for charity.
Lowery, in his lifetime, developed a strong connection with former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, who expressed his dismay and sorrow over Houghton’s actions.
He described Bradley as one of the most inspirational children and emphasized that he will continue to inspire others.
Defoe concluded with a heartfelt message to Bradley, addressing him as his “best friend forever” and expressing love and longing for him.
Defoe said:”My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl, Bradley’s parents, who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this,” he said.
“Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us. We love and miss you, Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
