Tsunami

What did they say? National news? National news asking what Sunderland actually knew as prosecution say they were aware of details and still played him 20 times. Also quoted parts of their statement that they didn't force Johnson to play and had they known he was going to plead guilty they'd have sacked him. Sunderland need to get another statement out, unless of course they can't.

ITV news laying into Sunderland in their report.

Sunderland statement really says that we knew he was a bit of a nonce but played him anyway as he reckoned he'd get off with it.

Rtg just pulled the club statement thread. Truth hurts it seems, going all RAWKish.

Sunderland's statement is a woeful attempt at justifying unsuspending him and then playing him. It almost reads that he did well to continue to perform with the charges hanging over him. Shameful.

Multiple victims coming forward and evidence of BBC cover ups (and others) over what was happening at the time.

Can we just see that picture of his knob again?

I fancied us to beat Bournemouth but remembering how they battered us at their place and seeing how well they played last night I think we'll do well to force a draw. Their away record isn't great but it is improving and they'll know a win up here and they're virtually safe. Goes without saying we'll concede a sloppy goal tonight and lose without creating any real chances.

Sunderland have taken 3 extra points off Palace with last minute goals.

Palace can't go down, why celebrate a Sunderland goal?

Lol

Sunderland were a really good price tonight. First goal was crucial, Pardew will show all his tactical nous to outfox Sam in the 2nd half. Not.

Are the club not offering to change the J to a N for free?

They'll stay up with performances like that and they'll do Palace on Tuesday. Their work rate was excellent yday and that will get them points against teams that are coasting at the end of the season. We simply have to beat them and I don't see us doing so.

We should be hoping for a Palace win. They will pick up enough points to be safe. It's good to see that some Palace fans are beginning to see through him, complete charlatan.

Mackems looking sloppy so far...

West Ham looking sloppy so far

I also think that reasonable doubt is distinctly possible however, a 27 year old who has a history of cheating with other women is unlikely to text that someone felt turned on if there was only kissing. I also find it unlikely that you'd say that something wasn't too bad if it was only kissing. Most 15 year old have been kissing so the likelihood is that this was something more. If it was just kissing and he's texted those things then he's admitting that he knew that kissing was fundamentally wrong yet still went ahead with it and wanted more. I'd love to know what directions the judge gave/ will give in summing up and whether a majority verdict will be accepted as that could be telling in what happens.

We'll find out afterwards what Sunderland have to say, they surely can't remain silent after what's being said in court about them.

One of his biggest obstacles is by changing his plea on the first 2 charges and evidence provided has shown that he has lied about certain events makes him fundamentally an unreliable witness. He's trying to overcome this by seemingly being open and honest under cross examination whilst denying that any other than kissing happened and that he got himself a bit aroused. He's therefore giving "full" disclosure for actions that he's pleaded guilty for in the hope for credibility to be given for his not guilty pleas to the other 2 charges. As the burden is for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt he's trying to claw back his position. The girl has come across very well however, if there's any doubt he'll more than likely be found not guilty imo. The Judges summing up and advice to the jury will be interesting. As for Safc, they really shouldn't have been playing him under the circumstances.

Man City should be fined for putting out that side.

All the small clubs will be praying for away ties to a big team as opposed to getting a draw at home and then the money spinner replay. Awful decision, this and midweek ties will kill the cup.

Seeing as there doesn't appear to be a thread on him, I'll say a rip for Ali Brownlee, best commentor in the NE, loved his club, knew his stuff and you just can't forget his joy when 'boro managed those amazing results in the UEFA Cup. 56 is no age at all.

Aye they cannot charge him for rape now, but it reads like he's deffinitely sexually assaulted her. I'm assuming it's just harder to prove so they never pushed for it. Where's the N-O lawyer squadron at? Sexual activity with a child are the two outstanding charges. There is an element of coercion but the evidence suggests she was reluctantly consenting rather than refusing. If you think of sexual activity with a child as statutory rape then it makes more sense. I guess the defence will be that the only proof (unless it changes) is her word versus his? She might be able to describe his penis, not geet straight, not geet pink, not geet tasty. Cue the court artist.