CEO Leaves Club After Letting Johnson Play On

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne has resigned over what was described as a ‘serious error of judgement’ in allowing child sex offender Adam Johnson to remain at the club.

Johnson is awaiting sentence after being convicted of a sex offence with a fifteen year old and could face 10 years in prison.

During the trial it came to light that Byrne had a copy of police interview transcripts in which he confessed to kissing and grooming the child.

Johnson changed his plea to guilty on two of the four charges and Byrne says this caught her by surprise.

‘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,’ Byrne said in a statement.

‘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.’

The club also released a statement, which read: ‘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.

‘In light of what has been acknowledged by Margaret as a serious error of judgement on her part, we have undertaken a full review of the club’s decision-making processes to ensure that there can be no such mistakes in the future.

‘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. Lessons have been learned and we hope that the club and its fans can move forward from this together.’