Sunderland CEO Byrne resigns over Johnson
Sunderland Chief Executive Margaret Byrne has resigned over her role in the decision to allow Adam Johnson to continue playing for the team despite confessing to kissing a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
The 28-year-old England international was sacked by Sunderland last month after pleading guilty to two child sex offences. He was convicted last week of sexual activity with a child and now faces up to 10 years in prison.
“The Board of Sunderland AFC has today accepted the resignation of Margaret Byrne,” the club said in a statement.
“Margaret, in her role as CEO, was responsible for the running of the club. She was also accountable for the actions taken by the club in relation to Mr Johnson,” Sunderland said.
“Sunderland AFC acknowledges that Margaret’s intentions have always been to act in the best interests of the club, however it has become clear through our own internal probes that in this instance decisions have been taken by Margaret in error.”
Johnson was suspended by Sunderland in March 2015 after being arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with the 15-year-old. But two weeks later, after his bail was extended, the club lifted the ban.
He played 28 games for the team before...