March 9 – The chief executive of Premier League club Sunderland, Margaret Byrne (pictured), has resigned over her role in the child sex case involving former England wide midfielder Adam Johnson, one of the most distasteful off-the-field episodes in recent English football history.
Johnson, 28, was sacked by his club after pleading guilty to two child sex offences and was convicted last week of sexual activity with a 15-year-old, resulting in a likely lengthy jail term.
He was initially suspended by Sunderland in March last year when he was arrested. But 16 days later, after his bail was extended, the club lifted the ban.
Sunderland have been under mounting pressure to explain why Johnson had ever been allowed to play again and chief executive Margaret Byrne has now stepped down.
“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,” a club statement 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 investigations that in this instance decisions have been taken by Margaret in error.”
In a separate statement, Byrne said: “Contrary to what has been suggested, I did not understand that Mr Johnson intended to change his plea at trial or at all. I was astounded when he did plead guilty.”
But she added: “I accept that Mr Johnson should not have been permitted to play again, irrespective of what he was going to plead. It was a serious error of judgement and I accept full responsibility for this.”
Byrne had been with Sunderland for nine years, five as chief executive.
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