Adam Johnson sacked: Sunderland let go of footballer 'with immediate effect' after child sex offence admission

The Premier League club are said to have been stunned when the 28-year-old admitted one count of sexual activity with a child and another of grooming

Adam Johnson appeared at Bradford Crown Court on 10 February

(Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Sunderland have sacked Adam Johnson after the England international pleaded guilty to child sex offences.

The Premier League club are said to have been stunned when the 28-year-old admitted one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old and another of grooming.

Johnson denies two other counts of sexual activity with a child. His trial at Bradford Crown Court begins on Friday morning.

Sam Allardyce, the Sunderland manager, admitted Johnson would not be in his squad for the match against Manchester United this weekend after his admission this week.

In a statement on the club's official website, the North East outfit said: "In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect.

"The club will make no further comment."

Meanwhile, sports manufacturer Adidas had already terminated their ties with Johnson.

In a statement the sportswear giant said: “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.”