Cancer charities slam football fans for ‘abhorrent’ chants about Stephen Bradley’s sick son as culprits face ‘lifetime ban’

A small number of individuals subjected Bradley to vile songs about his son Josh, who went through treatment for leukaemia last summer, from outside Turner’s Cross last night.

It comes as Cork City today said it will issue lifetime bans to supporters who abused the Shamrock Rovers boss.

The Irish Cancer Society said it was “shocked and saddened” by the reports and praised the Bradley family for their strength.

A spokesperson said: "It is abhorrent to use the experience of a childhood cancer diagnosis in such a hurtful and hateful way. Anyone who has been through a cancer diagnosis will know how traumatic and difficult it is for the entire family.

“The Irish Cancer Society is shocked and saddened by these reports and the weaponising of such a serious illness.

“Stephen and his family have even found the strength to fundraise for others affected by childhood cancer despite Josh’s diagnosis."

Childhood Cancer Ireland also said there is “no place for this kind of behaviour in sport or anywhere else in society”.

Laura Cullinan, CEO of the charity and parent of a childhood cancer survivor said:

“There is no place for this kind of behaviour in sport or anywhere else in society. It is abhorrent to most of us but clearly not to everyone and that is unacceptable.

"When you hear the words 'your child has cancer' your entire world is turned upside down. It's terrifying. While your family and community rally around you as much as they can, it's a very isolating journey, nobody else truly understands the fear and the pain.

“We try to maintain as much normality as we can for our families during treatment but that takes a huge effort. To think that a parent went to their place of work only to be faced with taunts about their sick child is devastating and will have caused untold hurt to him and his family.”

Fans accused of singing the disgusting chant have since been identified.

The Corner Flag, a pub located next to the ground, in a statement said they were in a position to identify those involved and were working closely with gardaí.

“We utterly condemn the vile, disgusting chants directed at Stephen Bradley from a group of individuals who entered our premises after the Cork City and Shamrock Rovers game last night,” said The Corner Flag in a statement this morning.

“Our staff and security team have identified those involved and we are working closely with the club and gardai to ensure the appropriate action is taken.

“On behalf of The Corner Flag we apologise to Stephen Bradley and his family and we will support him and the club and relevant authorities in any way we can.”

Cork City owner Dermot Usher has also confirmed that lifetime bans will be given to those responsible for the vile abuse, which was directed towards Bradley following Cork’s 1-0 win over the Hoops last night.

“I was too annoyed to comment last night, these people are not Cork City fans. This type of behaviour has no place in society,” said Usher on Twitter this morning.

“This is not a true reflection of what Cork City FC and the people are. Lifetime bans will be handed out to anyone connected with this.”

Cork City issued a swift apology on Twitter last night and said they would work with all relevant authorities to identify those involved and take appropriate action.

Bradley spoke about the ‘disgusting behaviour’ afterwards and called for lifetime bans for those involved, adding that he would be submitting a report to the Gardaí on the incident.

“It’s disgusting. I’m going to put in a report to the police,” said the Shamrock Rovers manager last night.

“Singing about my son... You take stick. As a football person, that comes with it. That’s your job and that’s fine.

“But speaking about a sick nine-year-old is disgusting and Cork City should be ashamed of them. I want them banned for life. That has no place in football or society. That’s disgusting behaviour.”

Shamrock Rovers added: “Shamrock Rovers F.C. condemns the actions of a number of individuals after last night's game in Cork where some particularly hurtful verbal abuse was directed toward our head coach Stephen Bradley and his family. The club appreciates the support of Cork City F.C. in its condemnation of the actions of a few and their commitment to seek out those involved and deal with it accordingly.”