Sunderland Fires Adam Johnson Over Sexual Abuse

England star Adam Johnson has been fired by Sunderland after he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child in an ongoing court case. The English star might face a lengthy jail period if found guilty.

"In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect," Sunderland said in a statement. "The club will make no further comment."

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child, but denied two other charges, when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.

Sex Scandal: Adam Johnson's Underage Sex Trial Postponed To 2016

Adam Johnson's trial over allegations of underage sex with a minor has been delayed until 2016.

The 28-year-old's hearing over legal and administrative matters took place at Durnham crown court on Monday ahead of the originally scheduled trial start date of August 24 before a new date of February 10 was agreed.

The Sunderland winger was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and one of sexual grooming in April and will now stand trial at Bradford crown court.

SEX SCANDAL: Sunderland's Adam Johnson Arrested Over Sex Accusation With Under 16 School Girl

Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson has been suspended by the club after being arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16. The 27-year-old England international was due to travel with the rest of the squad to east Yorkshire on Monday afternoon for Tuesday night’s Barclays Premier League fixture at Hull.

A club statement said: “Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time.”