Adam Johnson comes on for Sunderland after being named on bench against West Ham
Johnson came on in the 72nd minute following his return to football after Sunderland lifted his suspension following arrest for allegedly having sex with an underage girl
New Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat named Adam Johnson among his substitutes for his first game in charge of the club.
Johnson is out on bail until 23 April following his arrest on suspicion of having sex with a girl under 16.
The police will continue their investigation but the former England winger, 27, is free to resume his playing duties for the time being - Sunderland had suspended him initially.
Johnson, who eventually came on as a 72nd minute substitute, was subjected to taunts by the Upton Park crowd before and during his brief cameo.
He last played for the club in the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on February 28.
He was arrested at his County Durham home on March 2 and questioned at Peterlee Police Station before being released on bail until March 18. However, that period was extended until April 23 on Tuesday.
News of the player's impending return came during another tumultuous week at the Stadium of Light, during which head coach Gus Poyet was shown the door and replaced in the short term by 67-year-old Dutchman Dick Advocaat.
A club statement earlier this week said: "The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and Adam's representatives.
"In line with those discussions we recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training.
"The club's own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process. Sunderland AFC will make no further comment on the matter due to the ongoing police investigation."