Sunderland sack Adam Johnson as Adidas also severs ties with the footballer

Adam Johnson has been sacked by Sunderland after the 28-year-old pleaded guilty to two child sex offences. The winger admitted to one count of grooming and one count of sexual activity with a schoolgirl, aged 15, at a Bradford court on 11 February.

He is due back in court tomorrow (12 February) for another trial on two further counts of sexual activity, which he denies. "In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect," the Black Cats said in a statement. "The club will make no further comment."

Johnson's dismissal by Sunderland comes just hours after sportswear giant Adidas terminated its boot contract with the footballer. The company said: "Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect. This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week."

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce had earlier confirmed that Johnson – who earned a weekly £60,000 ($86,781) salary at the Stadium of Light – would not play against Manchester United for the lunchtime kickoff on 13 February.

Six men and six women will serve on the jury and Judge Jonathan Rose informed them that he is a professional footballer." You may see reference to this in the press but it's the evidence in court that you will gather," the judge said. "This defendant has already pleaded guilty to two offences, you will hear more about them in detail when Miss Blackwell [for the prosecution] opens the case to you on Friday."

The judge added: "It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty."