Adam Johnson: Former England footballer unlikely to play again, says PFA chairman Gordon Taylor

Jailed: Adam Johnson
Nigel Roddis/Getty Images
Tom Doyle25 March 2016

Former England international Adam Johnson only has a "very remote" chance of playing football again having "damaged the reputation" of the game, says Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor.

The former Sunderland and Manchester City winger admitted one count of sexual activity with a child and one of grooming, before being found guilty of a second allegation of sexual activity by a jury.

Johnson was jailed for six years on Thursday for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan.

PFA chairman Taylor told BBC Sport he was not surprised by the length of the sentence, and has warned footballers that young women - "particularly girls" - are "danger zones."

"I do know my members and this is an example of something going badly wrong," Taylor said.

"It's hoped that every industry will be even more alert after what has happened because these cases illustrate what can go wrong.

"It's not for me to say whether six years is fair. That's laid down for the judge.

"I note the comments of the judge as well and, from that point of view, I'm not surprised at that sentence."

After reporting restrictions were lifted following Johnson's sentencing, it was revealed that Johnson was arrested on suspicion of possessing animal pornography on his laptop.

Durham Police confirmed he has now been released from his bail in relation to the pornography and no further action will be taken.

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