Besiktas sack Nouma

Besiktas JK have cancelled the contract of French striker Pascal Nouma following the controversy surrounding his goal celebration in the Istanbul derby on Sunday.

Widespread condemnation
Nouma celebrated his eighth-minute goal in the
2-0 victory by sticking his hand down the front of his shorts. The 31-year-old's actions received widespread condemnation in Turkey prompting the Besiktas board to act.

President's statement
Club president Serdar Bilgili said: "The gesture he made was definitely not suitable for Turkish customs. We could not back him in this case and have decided to cancel his contract. I thank him for all the things he had done for the club."

No compensation
Besiktas, the Turkish Super League leaders, have said they will not pay any compensation to the player, citing a clause in his contract that allows the club to cancel the agreement if the player acts improperly.

Second spell in Istanbul
Nouma first joined Besiktas from RC Lens in the 2000/01 season and enjoyed immediate success, scoring 23 goals in 34 matches. The following year he returned to France to join Olympique de Marseille but rejoined Besiktas at the start of this season.