Former Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson is set to go on trial later today accused of sexual activity with a child.
The 28-year-old was sacked by the Black Cats yesterday after the winger pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old on Wednesday.
The footballer has denied two further counts of sexual activity with a child and his trial on these charges is to begin today at Bradford Crown Court.
Judge Jonathan Rose told jurors that Johnson had pleaded guilty to two charges when the defendant appeared in court earlier this week.
The grooming charge that Johnson has admitted relates to a period between December 30, 2014 and February 26, 2015.
He also admitted kissing and touching the youngster’s body on January 30, 2015.
Sunderland released a statement just hours after global sports brand Adidas announced that they had ended his deal.
“In light of Adam Johnson’s guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect,
“The club will make no further comment,” the club said in a brief statement.
A statement from Adidas also said: “Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect.
“This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week.”
Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then on to Sunderland for £12 million in 2012.