Sunderland AFC have confirmed that they have terminated the contract of Adam Johnson will immediate effect, and have declined to make any further comment.
Johnson yesterday admitted guilt to one charge of sexual activity with a minor and one charge of grooming. Johnson has, however, denied two further charges of sexual activity with a minor. This had led to the club tearing up the wingers contract due to a breach and gross misconduct.
The news came hours after sports manufacturer Adidas terminated their boot sponsorship with Johnson, saying in a statement:
‘Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect. This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week.’
Johnson has already previously denied three counts of sexual activity with a minor so this turn of events makes for an intriguing next few days as he prepares to find out his fate.
The maximum jail sentence that can be handed out for his guilt is five years in prison. Yet, we have seen footballers previously been given reduced sentences or even an alternative punishment altogether, such as community service.
The incidents that Johnson is on trial for allegedly took place between December 2014 and February 2015, with Johnson able to play for the club until a verdict had been reached. Johnson scored in his final ever Sunderland appearance last weekend against Liverpool, and leaves the club after 109 appearances and 18 goals.
The trial will continue and we’ll keep you up to date on readsunderland.com throughout the next two weeks.
