Byrne admits it was a “serious mistake” in allowing Adam Johnson to continue to play.
Sunderland Chief Executive Margaret Bynre has stepped down following her role in the Adam Johnson child sex case.
Sunderland have, this afternoon, released this statement:
“(It had) become clear through our own internal investigations that in this instance decisions have been taken by Margaret in error.
“Whilst swift and decisive action was taken to terminate Mr Johnson’s employment upon his guilty plea, decisions taken prior to this, including the decision not to suspend him for a second time pending the outcome of the trial, were wrong.
“In light of what has been acknowledged by Margaret as a serious error of judgment on her part, we have undertaken a full review of the club’s decision-making processes to ensure that there can be no such mistakes in the future.
“Throughout this deeply regretful situation, we recognise that one devoted young fan and her family have been very badly let down, first and foremost by Mr Johnson and his despicable actions, but also by the club they support.
“We are so very sorry for this.
“Mr Johnson lied to the club; he also lied to our fans and they have every right to feel aggrieved by this.
“Lessons have been learned and we hope that the club and its fans can move forward from this together.”
Despite Byrne allegedly receiving information from police showing evidence that Johnson admitted to kissing the 15-year-old schoolgirl, the former Manchester City winger continued to play for The Black Cats.
Byrne alleged that Sunderland were under the impression that Johnson was going to plead not guilty to all charges, until apparently changing his plea in court, resulting in his eventual sacking.
Cover image via The Guardian.
