WEST BROM say they are "appalled" after being alerted to a hateful social media post referencing Bradley Lowery on the back of Saturday's defeat at Sunderland.

Albion say they have identified and suspended the account of a fan and are now assisting police with the matter.

It comes just a month after Sheffield Wednesday supporter Dale Houghton was spared jail for taunting Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley during a game at Hillsborough earlier this season.

Bradley, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just 18 months old and was six when he died in 2017, touched the hearts of Sunderland fans with his bravery throughout his battle with illness.

He was a mascot for his beloved club and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, who was his long-time supporter.

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Sunderland beat West Brom 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, with Albion officials alerted to the social media post after the game.

A club statement said: "West Bromwich Albion are assisting police with their inquiries after being alerted to a hateful social media post referencing Bradley Lowery in the wake of the club’s defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

"Albion have identified and suspended the account of a supporter pending further legal inquiries and reserves the right to issue an indefinite club ban. 

"The club are appalled by the disgusting post and offer their sincere apologies to Sunderland AFC and the Lowery family."