Analytical Review: Sheffield Wednesday Fans’ Discourteous Conduct Towards Bradley Lowery
Source: Sky News
Publication Date: 30th September 2023
Type: News Report
Category: Sports
Target Audience: General sports enthusiasts and fans of Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland football clubs.
Notes on editorial choices: The report focuses on an unfortunate incident involving fans of Sheffield Wednesday and their disrespectful behaviour towards Bradley Lowery, a young Sunderland fan who passed away from cancer. The tone is factual but also conveys condemnation for the behaviour.
Headline: “Bradley Lowery: Sheffield Wednesday Condemns ‘deplorable behaviour’ as Fans Appear to mock child who died from cancer.”
Lead: Sheffield Wednesday and police are investigating after two fans appeared to mock a young Sunderland fan who died from cancer in 2017. Two people were pictured holding up a phone showing the six-year-old Bradley Lowery’s face as they laughed following the club’s 3–0 Championship defeat to Sunderland.
Language and Tone: The language used is clear and straightforward, conveying the seriousness of the incident. The tone is condemnatory, expressing disapproval of the behaviour exhibited by the fans.
Sources: The main sources are Sheffield Wednesday FC, South Yorkshire Police, and the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Quotes:
- Sheffield Wednesday FC: “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologize for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
- South Yorkshire Police: “We are investigating public order offences.”
- The Bradley Lowery Foundation: “Whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours,’ let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer.”
Visuals: The report may include images of Bradley Lowery, the two fans involved in the incident, and possibly screenshots of social media posts related to the incident.
Captions:
- Image of Bradley Lowery: “Bradley Lowery, a young Sunderland fan who passed away from cancer in 2017.”
- Image of fans mocking Bradley: “Two Sheffield Wednesday fans seen mocking Bradley Lowery after a match against Sunderland.”
Context: The report provides background information about Bradley Lowery, his connection with Sunderland and England, and the circumstances of his passing from neuroblastoma at a young age. It also mentions the close relationship he had with striker Jermain Defoe.
Engagement: The report encourages reader engagement by including a call to action for anyone with information about the incident to contact South Yorkshire Police. Additionally, it mentions a fundraiser for the Bradley Lowery Foundation organized by the Sheffield Wednesday FC Women’s Supporters Group, encouraging readers to support the cause.
Critical Analysis
This analysis delves into a news report covering the disturbing incident involving Sheffield Wednesday fans mocking Bradley Lowery, a young Sunderland supporter who tragically succumbed to cancer. The report adopts a tone that is both appropriately somber and condemnatory, refraining from sensationalism or unnecessary embellishments. This measured language choice bolsters the report’s credibility, ensuring the gravity of the incident remains at the forefront. By striking this balance, the report effectively communicates the severity of the behaviour exhibited by the Sheffield Wednesday fans.
Reputable sources, including statements from Sheffield Wednesday FC, South Yorkshire Police, and the Bradley Lowery Foundation, form the foundation of the report. While these sources lend credibility to the report, the inclusion of perspectives from witnesses or bystanders could have enriched the narrative. Nonetheless, the report’s reliance on authoritative sources enhances its overall integrity and reliability. The contextual information provided is instrumental in elucidating the significance of the incident. It offers background on Bradley Lowery, emphasizing his profound connection with both Sunderland and the English national team. His close bond with Jermain Defoe, who regarded Bradley as his “best mate,” underscores the emotional impact Bradley had on those around him. This context heightens the emotional resonance of the report and amplifies the condemnation of the Sheffield Wednesday fans’ behaviour.
The report follows a well-structured format, comprising a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. However, a more robust conclusion could have provided a more complete resolution to the narrative presented in the report. This would have offered readers a clearer understanding of the potential consequences for the fans involved or any disciplinary actions taken by Sheffield Wednesday FC. Eventually, the report’s impact lies in prompting reflection on the broader issue of empathy and respect in sports fandom and society at large. It serves as a poignant reminder that sports should be a unifying force, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among fans.
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