Sunderland sack Johnson

Sunderland soccer player Adam Johnson leaves Bradford Crown Court in Bradford. Photo: Andrew Yates/Reuters

Sunderland soccer player Adam Johnson leaves Bradford Crown Court in Bradford. Photo: Andrew Yates/Reuters

Published Feb 11, 2016

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London - England international Adam Johnson has been sacked by Premier League Sunderland after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, the club said on Thursday.

“In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect,” Sunderland said in a statement. “The club will make no further comment.”

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, but denied two other charges, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old winger, who has played 12 times for England, also admitted one count of grooming a girl under the age of 16, a court official said.

Johnson, who began his career at Middlesbrough and also played for Manchester City, joined Sunderland for 10 million pounds ($14.46 million) in 2012 on a four-year contract.

He has been a regular for the Premier League side this season and scored in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week.

The case is expected to last for two weeks.

Reuters

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