Sunderland under pressure for not suspending Adam Johnson

Pressure is mounting on Sunderland to explain why they played former winger Adam Johnson following his arrest on suspicion of child sex offences.

Johnson was suspended by Sunderland following his arrest on March 2 last year but was reinstated to the squad, helping them to avoid relegation.

The club claim they were unaware Johnson was planning to plead guilty to one charge of grooming and another of sexual activity with a child ahead of his trial, despite meeting the ex-England international and his legal representative to discuss the case.

Johnson's legal representatives say Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne was given transcripts of police interviews and the text messages between the former player and schoolgirl.

John Cameron, head of helplines at the NSPCC, said it was unacceptable for the club to delay suspending Johnson if they knew.

"It gives a very inappropriate message, not only to the victims, but other people who are affected by this," he said.

A spokesman for the NSPCC went on to say: "If they had known he had kissed a girl prior to his guilty plea, then we think they should have suspended him pending the ongoing investigation.

"It would have sent the right message to people that this is a serious offence and needed to be properly investigated."

Despite being charged with four offences on April 23 Johnson continued to play for Sunderland but was sacked after he pleaded guilty in court to two of the counts against him.

Sunderland refuted claims they chose to play Johnson because of their dire need on the pitch - something the club vehemently refuted in a statement issued after the verdicts were delivered. Johnson scored - in his final match for the club - days before the start of his trial in a game a Liverpool.

A club statement read: "This is utterly without foundation and is refuted in the strongest possible terms. The club never placed any pressure or demands on Mr Johnson to play football during this process.

"Decisions in relation to the pleas and the conduct of the trial have been left entirely to Mr Johnson and his highly experienced and skilled legal team. Mr Johnson has admitted in evidence that he changed his plea 'on legal advice'."

After being charged last April Johnson was always available for selection, former manager Dick Advocaat said: "He still has to come in, but in principle if he feels okay, then he will be a member of the squad. If he's in the squad, then I will consider him for selection, otherwise he would not be in the squad."

With Johnson facing up to ten years in prison for his three convictions, many more questions will now be asked of the Sunderland hierarchy, which they so far refused to answer.