Sunderland criticised for not suspending Johnson despite child sex charges

Fri, 24 Apr, 2015 - 13:18

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson appears set to remain available for selection after being charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.

The Black Cats confirmed on Friday that, while they will continue to review the situation, their position “remains unchanged”.

With the 27-year-old having been used as a substitute in each of the club’s last three Barclays Premier League games, it seems that he could also be involved at Stoke on Saturday.

A club statement said: “Following yesterday’s statement from Durham Constabulary, the club recognises that the formal legal process must take its course and whilst our position remains unchanged, we will keep the matter under review.

“The club will not be making any further comment.”

Adam Johnson has made three appearances since his arrest on March 2nd. Here is the @SunderlandAFC statement. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/5eSZg8o3q3
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 24, 2015

Johnson was arrested at his Castle Eden home in County Durham on March 2 and was initially suspended by the club as police investigated the allegations against him.

The club suspension was later lifted and he has played brief roles in each of new head coach Dick Advocaat’s games to date, the defeats at West Ham and at home to Crystal Palace either side of a derby victory over Newcastle.

Johnson was charged on Thursday after answering bail at Peterlee Police Station, and is due to appear at the County Durham town’s Magistrates’ Court on May 20, the day Sunderland are due to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunderland stand just a point clear of the relegation zone and are in dire need of an upturn in on-field fortunes to steer clear of danger.

At his best, Johnson, who joined the club in a £10million switch from Manchester City in August 2012, could prove a key figure in that fight, although his form has been patchy during his spell on Wearside.

Advocaat faces a decision on whether or not to involve him in the remaining six games of the campaign, while club officials consider their own response to the situation.

The players’ union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, has urged people to allow justice to take its course.

A PFA statement said: “Given that this is an ongoing legal matter, it would not be appropriate to comment specifically on the case. However, we would emphasise that just like any other individual, Adam is entitled to a fair hearing.

“We are not in a position to make any further comment.”

Online reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly negative.