The Sport Matrix: Thursday 19 March 2015

Johnson returns to Sunderland

Adam Johnson is to return to training at Sunderland. The winger was suspended by the club this month following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16. A statement said: “We recognise the player is entitled to recommence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. The club’s investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process.”

McIlroy to use Bay Hill as warm-up

Rory McIlroy will use his first appearance in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill as his last competitive outing before attempting to win a grand slam of majors at next month’s Masters.

The world No 1 said: “I am excited in the direction it’s going and to be here and get one more competitive outing and try to get myself into contention.”

FA charges Hull for referee protest

Hull City have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players in Saturday’s Premier League match at Leicester City.

The charge appears to relate to an incident where several Hull players reacted to Alex Bruce being booked by referee Jon Moss for a challenge on Riyad Mahrez.

On Tuesday the FA chairman, Greg Dyke, strongly criticised players who surround officials.

Vonn wins record seventh downhill

Lindsey Vonn won the World Cup downhill title for the seventh time after winning the last race in the discipline yesterday in Meribel.

Her haul of seven titles and her 18th crystal globe are both records for women.

“It’s incredible after being out with two knee operations. It is just amazing to be sitting where I am today,” the American said.

“I’m so proud and happy, and I really have to thank the people that supported me and got me back to where I am now.”

Storey to race in Tour de Yorkshire

The 11-time Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey will take part in the women’s race at the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire on 2 May. Sir Bradley Wiggins has also confirmed he will race.

Wiggins missed out on last year’s Grand Depart of the Tour de France in the county. The three-day race will be one of the first outings for his new Team Wiggins development squad.