Adam Johnson Sacked After Sex Charge Admission

Footballer Adam Johnson has been sacked by Sunderland after admitting one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The Black Cats announced they have terminated the 28-year-old's contract with immediate effect a day after Johnson admitted the charge during a hearing at Bradford Crown Court.

The winger, who has played 12 times for England, also pleaded guilty to one count of grooming.

Johnson, from Castle Eden, County Durham, denies two further charges of sexual activity with the same child.

His trial on the two charges starts on Friday.

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said that although few details are known about the sex charge Johnson has pleaded guilty to, it did involve the kissing and touching of his victim on 30 January 2015.

Johnson has admitted to knowing that the girl was under 16.

The grooming charge relates to a period between 30 December 2014 and 26 February 2015.

The footballer played at Middlesbrough and Manchester City before transferring to Sunderland, his hometown club, in a £10m deal in 2012.

Johnson was originally suspended by Sunderland after his arrest last March, but was later reinstated and helped the club avoid relegation.

He had made 20 appearances this season and scored two goals.

The termination of Johnson's contract comes just hours after boot sponsor Adidas announced they had ended their contract with the player.