FOOTBALL: Sunderland fc Chief Executive Byrne resigns amid Johnson trial

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne has resigned with immediate effect in the wake of the Adam Johnson child sex case.

Her departure follows criticism of the football club over the decision to allow the disgraced player to continue to represent the club after he was charged.

Initially suspended, Johnson was allowed back into the Premier League side and played for the team up until his trial, when he pleaded guilty to to grooming and a sexual activity with a child.
Sunderland came under pressure after Johnson's legal team told Bradford Crown Court it was aware he had told police he kissed the 15-year-old supporter of the club.

According to the club, he told them he intended to deny all the charges against him.

Ms Byrne said in a statement: "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.

"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."

Johnson was later also found guilty of an additional count of sexual activity with a child, but acquitted of another similar charge.

A statement issued by the club said: "The Board of Sunderland AFC has today accepted the resignation of Margaret Byrne.

"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.

"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.

"Whilst swift and decisive action was taken to terminate Mr Johnson's employment upon his guilty plea, decisions taken prior to this, including the decision not to suspend him for a second time pending the outcome of the trial, were wrong.

"Throughout this deeply regretful situation, we recognise that one devoted young fan and her family have been very badly let down, first and foremost by Mr Johnson and his despicable actions, but also by the club they support. We are so very sorry for this.

"Mr Johnson lied to the club; he also lied to our fans and they have every right to feel aggrieved by this."

The NSPCC welcomed the resignation as "the right decision".

"Sunderland AFC sent the wrong message by not suspending Johnson straight away and this caused his victim unnecessary trauma. While there has been a lot of attention on the club we must not forget that Johnson's victim will need lot of support to rebuild her life."

Meanwhile, the footballer's sister has set up a Facebook page to support his legal appeal under the heading "Justice for Johnson".

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