Adam Johnson: Sunderland will swap shirts for fans who paid to have convicted footballer's name on their backs

Sunderland fans can swap shirts baring the name of convicted sex offender Adam Johnson for new ones.

The Official SAFC store has said it will exchange any of this season’s strips branded with the footballer's name after he was convicted of sexual activity with a child last week.

A worker at the club shop at the Stadium of Light told the Chronicle: “We have exchanged some shirts and as long as it is this current season’s shirt we will replace it.”

At the start of the season, many fans believed Johnson's claims he was innocent after he pleaded not guilty to child sex charges.

Adam Johnson was convicted of sexual activity with a child last week. Credit: PA

But during his trial Johnson admitted kissing and grooming the teenager.

Chief executive Margaret Byrne resigned yesterday, admitting she should not have allowed the 28-year-old to continue to play.

“It was a serious error of judgement and I accept full responsibility for this,” she said