Gordon Strachan: Former Scotland boss issues apology for Adam Johnson comments

Gordon Strachan: Former Scotland boss issues apology for Adam Johnson comments
Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has apologised for his controversial remarks on Adam Johnson.Strachan has been accused of linking racist abuse with the convicted sex offenders’ situation while appearing on Sky Sports’ The Debate programme.2

Strachan has come under fire for recent comments about Johnson

Johnson has recently been released after serving three years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan, and the ex-England winger has not ruled out a return to football.Strachan said: “If he goes on to the pitch and people start calling him names, have we got to do the same as it is to the racist situation?“Is it all right to call him names now after doing his three years – have we got to allow that to happen?”2

Adam Johnson was released from prison after serving three years

In a statement issued through Press Association Sport, Strachan said: “Given the response in the last 24 hours to a point made on The Debate programme on Sky Sports from over a week ago, and having reflected on it personally, it is important for me to address the issues that have arisen.“In no way did I intended to confuse or conflate the very serious issue of racism targeted at footballers with the potential verbal abuse towards a player who has been convicted of a sexual offence.Strachan is an occasional contributor to the programme but Press Association Sport understands he will not be used again.“Having reviewed the particular segment in light of the reaction, I fully acknowledge that the imprecise use of language in my initial response has left open a perception that should easily have been avoided. For that I sincerely apologise.“I should have communicated my point more clearly and without the need to refer to the earlier discussion, during which I was clear in my condemnation of the racist abuse which continues to blight football. “I am also cognisant of the fact that the question asked on a football debate show – whether Adam Johnson will be able to resume his professional football career because of the stigma attached to his crime – did not afford the opportunity to demonstrate the requisite empathy or support towards the survivor.“I would like to take the opportunity to atone for that: to reaffirm my condemnation of the behaviour that led to the player’s conviction, to convey my heartfelt sympathy and support to the survivor, and to apologise for any unintended distress caused.”Strachan is not an employee of Sky so is not subject to its disciplinary protocols, but the broadcaster has distanced itself from the Scot’s remarks.A Sky statement read: “The comments were made by a guest on The Debate. Of course Sky Sports does not support the comments and we’re sorry for the offence they have caused.”

---

France vs South Korea FREE: TV channel, live stream, kick off time and team news for Women's World Cup opener The hosts kick off the tournament against the Asian outfit as they look to claim the
France vs South Korea live on talkSPORT 2: Commentary, free

---

Bolasie is apparently not in Marco Silva's plans but wants to stay and fight for his place at the Toffees (where ever that may be) - though that's usually just code for "I've got a nice lucrative contract and I'm not taking a penny less than I'm entitled to".
Toffeeweb: Toffee Mail Bag — July 2006

---

Real Madrid's shock Champions League last-16 exit to Ajax came amid a double injury blow as both Lucas Vázquez and Vinicius were forced off with first-half injuries on Tuesday night.
Vinicius Junior 'will not be rushed back' by Real Madrid

---

right timing Paul Pogba: Adrian Clark thinks Manchester United midfielder was in PFA Team of the Year due to purple patch at right time
~ Paul Pogba: Adrian Clark thinks Manchester United

---

Cristiano Ronaldo put on a superb captain's performance after firing Portugal into the Nations League final with a hat-trick against Switzerland. The 34-year-old Portugal captain handed his side

---

Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham: Spurs player ratings as Juan

---

Mohamed Salah was left visibly frustrated when James Milner refused to let him take Liverpool's late penalty in Sunday's 2-0 defeat of Cardiff. The Reds won in Wales to move back to the top of
Mike Ashley 'doesn't want to sell' Newcastle United and

---

Thank you and goodbye MLS side LA Galaxy release former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is retained for the new season
Former Chelsea player Ashley Cole released by MLS side LA

---

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is targeting his second successive Champions League final (Pic: GETTY) Virgil van Dijk was also an injury worry after appearing to hurt his foot after landing awkwardly against Huddersfield. The defender has been a revelation since signing and was named the PFA Player of the Year this week.
Liverpool News - Virgil van Dijk faces fitness battle ahead

---

Liverpool host Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. Sportsmail will provide live coverage of the game at Anfield including score, lineups and build-up.
VIDEO : Liverpool vs Barcelona - Match Review, Player Ratings

---

Man City face Chelsea on Sunday for the Carabao Cup (11.30 a.m. ET, ESPN+), the first big trophy of the season. Here's what you need to know.
Man Utd 4-1 Burton, LIVE: Plus more Carabao Cup action

---

~ Huddersfield vs Leicester live on talkSPORT 2: Full commentary and free stream for 3pm Premier League clash ~ Kenya Latest Full commentary and free stream for

---

Arsenal season tickets: Prices and everything we know ahead of 2019/20 Premier League campaign: Ex-Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta reveals how he dreaded Liverpool visits and once pleaded for 5-1 Anfield hammering to stop
Too Many People Think Winning the League is Not Good Enough

---

PARIS (AP) - Luka Modric ended the long reign of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Ballon d'Or for the first time on Monday, while another first saw Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg
Why Lionel Messi And Not Luka Modric Should Have Won The 2018

---

Manchester United vs. Barcelona highlights Champions League quarterfinals draw Tottenham vs. Manchester City, Liverpool vs. Porto, and Ajax vs. Juventus are the other three showdowns
Who can Man Utd face in the Champions League quarter-finals?

---