The trial of Adam Johnson (part 2)

Depends on the union mate. That's a PFA issue really and from this article from their site they certainly played a part in the reinstatement. My personal opinion is the PFA should have backed the original suspension and upheld it. But it's clearly not as black and white as Sunderland changed their mind and let him play just on his word.

Sunderland lift Johnson suspension
PA Sports 18/03/2015 17:03:04

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Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is to return to training after the club lifted his suspension.

The 27-year-old midfielder was suspended by the Black Cats earlier this month following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16, but will now be free to resume while the police investigation continues.

A club statement said: "The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and Adam's representatives.

"In line with those discussions we recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training.

"The club's own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process. Sunderland AFC will make no further comment on the matter due to the ongoing police investigation."

Durham Police later confirmed that investigation remains "very much live and ongoing" and reiterated its warning to social media users about the dangers of identifying the alleged victims of sexual offences.

A statement said: "Sunderland AFC informed us this morning of their decision, which of course is a matter entirely for the club. The police investigation remains very much live and ongoing and a man remains on bail while enquiries continue.

"We would once again urge those posting on social media to be aware of the effects their comments can have. We accept rumour and speculation may be inevitable, but many of the comments have been distressing to the complainant, her family and people connected with the investigation."

Former England international Johnson has not played for the club since the 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester United on February 28, but could now be in line to make a contribution at West Ham on Saturday.

He was arrested at his County Durham home on March 2 and questioned at Peterlee Police Station before being released on bail until March 18. However, that period was extended until April 23 on Tuesday.

News of the player's impending return came during another tumultuous week at the Stadium of Light, during which head coach Gus Poyet was shown the door and replaced in the short term by 67-year-old Dutchman Dick Advocaat.

Poyet departed in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa, which left Sunderland sitting just a point above the relegation zone with nine games to play.

Advocaat's task is simply to keep the club in the top flight, and the importance of his mission was underlined by financial figures filed on Wednesday which showed increased losses of £16.3million on ordinary activities before tax for the year ended July 31, 2014.

In the report, chairman Ellis Short says: "The directors consider the major risk of the business to be a significant period of absence from the Premier League. Ongoing investment in the playing squad aims to reduce this risk."

Johnson could prove key as Advocaat and his staff attempt to find a way to get the best out of January signing Jermain Defoe.

The 32-year-old striker, who arrived on Wearside from MLS side Toronto in a swap deal with Jozy Altidore, scored twice in his first five appearances for the club but has not found the back of the net in his last five.

Defoe appears to represent Sunderland's best hope of dragging themselves out of trouble, but Poyet simply could not find the system to provide him with the chances he needs, on Saturday opting to play him as a lone frontman with Scotland international Steven Fletcher attempting to provide support from the left wing, a job to which he proved less than suited.

Advocaat will hope Johnson can provide the natural width, pace and flair which won him his big-money move to Manchester City and his 12 England caps to spark the fightback his club needs during the closing weeks of the campaign.

Copyright PA Sport 2015, All Rights Reserved

 

There`s no getting away from that mate.

 

I have sympathy for their own children more so than the wag ~how dreadful growing up knowing your father is a nonce

 

We had a nonce working at Virgin Media, mate. When I was employed by them.

Even after the police come and took away his work computer, checked his drawers and everything, he was allowed back in the building while on bail. This was a horrible little weasel who had been abusing young lads, got found guilty in the end and jailed.

As you can imagine, I was going mental. Talking about people having pics of their kids around their desk and everything but the company were adamant, he would not be suspended and was allowed to continue working, pending the outcome.

 

Good point but does PFA pull rank over a lawyers recommendations? Surely any lawyer worth their salt can see the gargantuan ball of **** that's heading your way if he's found guilty. Your sponsors could be ****ing seething with all of this negative press by association.

 

From funks post
A club statement said: "The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and Adam's representatives.

"In line with those discussions we recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training.

"The club's own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process. Sunderland AFC will make no further comment on the matter dueto the ongoing police investigation."

Covers the clubs entire involvement with situation quite nicely for me.

 

What did he do at work with no computer?

 

He got given another one. I'm gunna see if I can find the story because it made the papers. He was called Sean or might have been spelt shaun. Was about 6 or 7 years ago now.

 

No idea, unfortunately the PFA guidelines aren't published online. Unions have a lot of power. This one in particular is heavily sponsored themselves. They'll have fingers in pies and hold way more swaying power than what should be ethically correct.

 

Does for me too. The PFA published this on their site. Surely they'd refute the Sunderland statement not publish it if they didn't have a part. The PFA should have upheld it though. IMO, I said it at the time and didn't want him back. PFA's problem now as far as I'm concerned.

 

Good point that.

If the club suspended him and PFA and his legal team said they can`t, it gives the club no choice. Hence his reinstatement.

 

From Blatter downwards at times I detest Football and the ****e that comes with it

 

Adam's career is over so just forget about him and let him get what's coming to him. He is not worth it....

 

The was for the fact you were accusing a female of having no balls

 

So what will be the public reaction to this if he doesn't get a custodial sentence?

What if he gets a suspended sentence, with a hundred trillion hours of community service, helping out down the local youth club, painting swings.

I think it'll be a case of "One rule for the rich" if he gets off with this one without doing bird.

 

The club isn't obligated to the **** anymore so I hope the public shread him to bits.

 

How old were you?

 

What a stupid, stupid twat he is.
Whole career down the pan.

 

Actually @makemdan don't answer this. Not worth it pal, people are looking for any excuse on this board at the moment.