Sam Allardyce faces the press for first time since Adam Johnson’s conviction for child-sex offences... read the full transcript
- Sam Allardyce has revealed Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne did not inform him that Adam Johnson had confessed to grooming schoolgirl
- Allardyce continued to select Johnson due to the winger's expected plea
- Sunderland boss was shocked to find out Johnson pleaded guilty Former
- England and Sunderland winger faces maximum of 10 years in jail
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce spoke to journalists for the first time on Thursday following Adam Johnson’s conviction for child-sex offences.
The former Sunderland winger is facing up to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
However, it has also been claimed that chief executive Margaret Byrne was aware of Johnson’s guilt in May of last year after receiving transcripts of police interviews in which he admitted kissing and grooming the girl.
Adam Johnson is facing 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl
The club insist Johnson told them he intended to protest his innocence, only to then plead guilty to two of his four charges at the outset of his trial on February 10.
He was sacked by Sunderland the following day but supporters want to know why Johnson had played for the club for nearly a year if Byrne was aware of what he had done.
Below is the full transcript of Allardyce’s press conference at the club’s training ground with newspaper reporters…
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce claims he was told Johnson was going to plead not guilty before the former England international admitted his guilt in court
- 'I'm humble in defeat' McGregor speaks after Nate Diaz match
- Paul Pogba switches legs for arms with some power punches
- 'Other teams must be nervous': Ranieri on Leicester's season
- Klopp: It was the right decision to award last-minute...
- Crystal Palace's Alan Pardew slams Christian Benteke penalty
- Tottenham and Arsenal fans clash outside White Hart Lane
- Van Gaal: Manchester United result is a 'big disappointment'
- Pulis: Second yellow card for Juan Mata seemed 'a bit harsh'
- Funny moment when Ranieiri does a great Pinocchio impression
- Wenger: Arsenal are still capable of winning Premier League
- Matildas beat North Korea to book place in Rio Olympic Games
- McClaren tries to be upbeat after Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 3
- Maria Sharapova is suspended from tennis after failing drugs...
- Conor McGregor BEATEN by Nate Diaz at UFC 196 via second...
- Holly Holm choked unconscious as Miesha Tate claims...
- Maria Sharapova sparks retirement rumours as Russian tennis...
- Gareth Bale plays for one of the richest clubs in the...
- Conor McGregor has 'hands of soap' says Jose Aldo as former...
- Floyd Mayweather and Rihanna watch courtside as Los Angeles...
- Liverpool show interest in teenager Sergio Gomez as Reds say...
- Maria Sharapova's failed drugs test is a disaster for...
- Manchester United stars put their West Bromwich Albion...
- Conor McGregor parties with fans at Surrender Nightclub...
- Manchester United's woes continue when Morgan Schneiderlin...