Footballer Adam Johnson has been sacked by Premier League club Sunderland after he admitted kissing a 15-year-old girl he had groomed.
The 28-year-old, who has 12 England caps, is due to stand trial on two counts of sexual activity with a child.
But after the midfielder admitted one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming when he appeared at Bradford crown court this week, he has been sacked by his club.
"In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect," a short statement said.
"The club will make no further comment."
Johnson had been playing for Sunderland since his arrest last March, most recently in a 2–2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
Club Statement - https://t.co/GQ56WM2gNc
Adidas has also terminated Johnson's boot deal, The Guardian reported.
"Adidas can confirm that it has terminated its contract with footballer Adam Johnson with immediate effect," a statement said. "This follows his guilty pleas entered earlier this week."
Johnson, from Castle Eden, County Durham, goes on trial tomorrow in a case expected to last two weeks.
Meanwhile, Durham constabulary has reminded people that naming alleged sexual assault victims, including on social media, is a crime under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.