The England football international Adam Johnson has been sacked by English Premier League club Sunderland after pleading guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one charge of grooming.
Adam Johnson of Sunderland celebrates victory. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 28-year-old footballer's contract was terminated hours after he was dropped for this weekend's Premier League match against Manchester United.
Johnson will stand trial on two further counts of sexual activity with a child, which he has denied.
He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, but denied two other charges when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court.
The winger, who has played 12 times for England, also admitted one count of grooming a girl under the age of 16, a court official said.
Sunderland said in a statement that "in light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas" it had "terminated his contract with immediate effect."
"The club will make no further comment."
When asked about the winger's future at a news conference earlier on Thursday (UK time), Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce said: "He'll not be available for this weekend. We will see how it goes after that."
Sportswear firm Adidas has also cancelled its boot contract with the midfielder.
After Johnson's arrest in March 2015, the club suspended him, but then lifted the ban following talks with his representatives and the Professional Footballers' Association.
In his last appearance for the Black Cats, Johnson - who had been playing while on bail - scored in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week at Anfield.
Johnson, who was born in Sunderland, began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland for $20 million in 2012 on a four-year contract.
His trial, to be held at Bradford Crown Court, was expected to last two weeks.
Johnson's case was expected to last two weeks.
- Reuters
