Adam Johnson’s Premier League and international soccer careers are under threat.
Johnson was arrested Monday on suspicion of having sex with an underage girl, Sky Sports reported Monday. Police confirmed Johnson’s arrest and said he is cooperating with their investigation.
“A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16,” the Durham Constabulary said in a statement. “He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.”
The girl with whom Johnson is suspected of having sex is 15 years old, according to the BBC.
Sunderland has suspended Johnson, who will miss Tuesday’s Premier League game against Hull City and possibly other forthcoming contests.
“Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation,” the Premier League club said in a statement. “No further comment will be made at the present time.”
Johnson is a regular starter for Sunderland, which sits 16th in the Premier League standings after 27 games. Johnson has scored five goals in 28 games (in all competitions) this season. He has scored 20 goals in 105 games for Sunderland since joining the club from Manchester City in a £10 million ($15.4 million) transfer in August 2012. He won a Premier League title and an FA Cup with Manchester City.
Johnson also has played 12 times for England since making his international debut in 2010. He has scored twice for England but hasn’t made an international appearance since August 2012.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BBCSport
