• Former Scotland manager will no longer be used by broadcaster • Strachan seemed to conflate Johnson issue with racial abuse

Gordon Strachan will no longer be used by Sky Sports after controversial comments in which the former Scotland manager appeared to conflate the convicted sex offender Adam Johnson’s situation with racial abuse.

Johnson has recently been released after serving three years in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old, and the former England winger has not ruled out a return to football.

Adam Johnson ‘deeply regrets’ actions that led to imprisonment Read more

Strachan in his role as an occasional contributor on last week’s Debate show, 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?”

Strachan is not a Sky employee so is not subject to its disciplinary protocols but the broadcaster has distanced itself from his remarks and it is understood he will not be used again. A Sky statement said: “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.”

Strachan later apologised for “any unintended distress caused”. He 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.

“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.”

He added that he wanted “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.”