Disgraced footballer Adam Johnson has begun an appeal against his conviction for sexual activity with a child, a court official has confirmed, and will reportedly also appeal his sentence.
The sacked Sunderland and ex-England man was last week jailed for six years for grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a besotted 15-year-old fan.
He was jailed at Bradford Crown Court, where an official on Wednesday confirmed the 28-year-old had lodged an appeal against conviction.
The case will be sent to a higher court in London for consideration, the official said.
She confirmed no appeal against sentence had been lodged.
On the Adam Johnson's Appeal Fight page on Facebook, a writer thought to be the player's sister Faye wrote: "Appeal Against Conviction lodged!
"Appeal Against Sentence is imminent this week!
"Awaiting confirmation for when my website can go live!
"Updates will follow!
"Thanks to everyone for your continued support it means a lot!
"I will never give up!"
The appeal page has been "liked" by more than 7,200 people.
Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Rose said Johnson had caused his victim "severe psychological harm".