Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence.

Houghton was charged after a picture was shared on social media of two men laughing in the stands at Sheffield Wednesday's match against Sunderland FC at Hillsborough Stadium last week.

One of them, now known to be Houghton, was holding up an image of Bradley, who died of neuroblastoma aged six in 2017.

Speaking to MailOnline, former England star Defoe - who forged a close friendship with Bradley while playing for Sunderland - said the youngster was "one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen".

"I'm appalled and saddened by the actions of the individual in question," 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, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son's memory.

"I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue to support the foundation and its projects.

"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."

In court, District Judge James Gould told Houghton "your actions are utterly deplorable" and that all sentence options were open, including prison time.

Houghton will be sentenced on 17 November.

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A statement from Bradley's mother Gemma Lowery was read out in court as she told of how she found out about the incident on Facebook.

She said she found it "hard to put into words", but the image "wasn't just disrespectful to Bradley, but also to other people as well", and it risked causing "so much emotional trauma to other children with cancer".

"I feel upset that these men have used this image of Bradley in order to get a reaction from the Sunderland fans," the statement said, adding that it was "unforgivable".

£11,000 raised in boy's memory

Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside Defoe.

Following the incident, more than £11,000 has been raised for The Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up after the school boy's death.

The funds will go towards a holiday home for the families of terminally-ill children the foundation is building in Scarborough, which it referred to as Super Brads Pad.

At the weekend, Lynn Murphy, co-founder of the foundation, told Sky News the support from fans and the club has been "absolutely amazing".

She said the holiday home will be able to support bereaved families and children who are going through hospital treatment.

Sheffield Wednesday released a statement shortly after the incident apologising to Bradley's friends and family.

Houghton was bailed on the condition he wouldn't attend any registered football match - or go within a mile of the Hillsborough Stadium when Sheffield Wednesday play at home.