A Sky statement said: "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 made a statement which read: "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."
Townsend, father of Crystal Palace and England winger Andros, tweeted: "That's the problem when you keep giving [air-time] to those whose sell-by date long gone. This is where education is needed. I despair."
Others on social media also shared their distate at Strachan's comments.
Johnson, who turns 32 in July, served half of the six-year sentence handed down after he was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The former Sunderland and Manchester City winger, who represented England on 12 occasions, remains on licence and, as part of his release conditions, will no longer be permitted to spend time alone with his daughter.
Strachan, a top midfielder in the 1980s and early 1990s, had suggested Johnson should be allowed to resurrect his professional career should he show "genuine remorse".
"Then I'd say, 'right, let's get on with it'. I would because I go back to what I believe in, that everybody deserves a second chance — and he's done his bit. People will think he's done his three years but this is for life. People will say 'that's that guy'."
