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Adam Johnson arrest: Mum of sex claim schoolgirl stands by daughter after online trolling...

The mother of a schoolgirl at the centre of underage sex claims with England footballer Adam Johnson has stood by her after she was named by online trolls.
Police warned anyone who identified the 15-year-old would face prosecution.
The dramatic step came as it emerged the dad of the teenager had called in police after learning about the Sunderland star's alleged relationship with her.
The schoolgirl, a Sunderland fan, has faced online abuse after star player Johnson was suspended by the club until the criminal inquiry is completed.
The club’s fans fear they could now be relegated - at a cost of £100 million due to the new TV rights deal for the Premier League.

 

Star man: Adam Johnson is a popular player at Sunderland after scoring the winner at Newcastle

The girl was named and pictured online, and also abused by fans.
Her identity appeared within hours of Johnson’s arrest being made public.
But last night the girl’s mother said: "My priority is my daughter, I don’t want to say anything else."
England international Johnson could miss the rest of the season as a result of his arrest - with the club facing a relegation fight.
In a statement, which was published on their Facebook page as well as other social media, Durham Police said: “Anyone who identifies someone who may or may not be a victim of a sexual offence is committing a criminal act.
“Victims of sexual assault are guaranteed the legal right to lifetime anonymity and publishing any details, including on social media, which may lead to their identification, is contrary to the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992."

 

Wealthy: Johnson's mansion in Co Durham

“Durham Constabulary wishes to remind social media users, and anyone else, who breaks the law that they will be dealt with robustly.”
At least ten people were convicted of identifying the woman raped by former Wales international Ched Evans.
The police warning came as Johnson’s family rallied round to help him through the ‘the hardest days of his life’.
His father David, 54, lives close to his son’s £1.5 million six-bedroom mansion in Co Durham, where the star was arrested on Monday morning.
He said: “We are not making a statement as we are taking legal advice.”

Dad: Adam Johnson is a new father with girlfriend Stacey Flounders

His arrest comes just seven weeks after the birth of his daughter Ayla Sofia by long term girlfriend Stacey Flounders, 25, who is being supported by a number of other footballers’ wives.
A close family friend added: “Everyone is shattered by this.
“There might have been stories about him in the past when he was a daft young lad but things change, he’s a family man now.
“It’s devastating because he and Stacey were just settling into being parents.
“He knows he’s a lucky lad, he has a lovely girlfriend and a gorgeous little girl, they are the people he loves and cares about.
“He’s back in the area where he grew up with a close family all around him and he’s never felt happier.

Suspended: Johnson will not play for Sunderland while the investigation continues

“This has come at a time when his mind should be on his family and on his football and has thrown things into chaos.
“Adam just isn’t capable of doing what he’s been accused of, he isn’t that kind of lad.
“The blessing is that this has happened here and not while he was playing away from the North East, he grew up knowing the value of a close family and they will be there for him until he proves his innocence.
“One of the hardest things will be not playing for Sunderland, he’s had a ball at his feet since he was old enough to stand up.”
Johnson, 27, will be working alone as he maintains his fitness until the end of the season.
The suspension means that the £60,000-a-week striker will not be return to training sessions with Sunderland until Durham Police have completed their enquiries.

The new TV deal means the Premier League club which finishes bottom of the table is still guaranteed £99m in TV money at the end of the 2016/17 season...