Adam Johnson removed from FIFA 16 computer game after child sex offences

EA Sports, makers of FIFA 16, said the footballer who was facing jail over child sex offences has been taken out of the active rosters of Sunderland and England.

The games giant was working on removing him from other modes of the game "as soon as possible".

The move followed calls from customers that the shamed 28-year-old should not be part of a game so popular with children.

Johnson was sacked by Sunderland and dropped by his boot sponsor adidas when he admitted grooming and kissing a 15-year-old fan.

He was told on Wednesday that a jail term was "almost inevitable" after a jury convicted him of a more serious charge of sexual activity with a child.

EA Sports said: "Adam Johnson has been removed from the active rosters of both Sunderland and England in FIFA 16.

"We're working to remove him from other modes within the game as soon as possible."

The game uses real-life statistics to update players' form over the internet every week, making the game more realistic. That means the next update can wipe him from that part of the game.