Sunderland CEO Byrne Resigns over Johnson Case

Sunderland's chief executive Margaret Byrne announced her resignation on Tuesday after admitting to making "a serious mistake" in her handling of the Adam Johnson affair.

"I recognize that, as CEO, my involvement with Mr Johnson and the decision to allow him to continue to represent Sunderland was a serious mistake," Byrne said in a statement.

Sunderland allowed Johnson to continue playing for them for nearly a year despite knowing that he had admitted to kissing a 15-year-old girl.

He was sacked by Sunderland last week after being found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child, having previously admitted to grooming the girl and one charge of sexual activity with her.