Below the belt

Caught short: Nouma has paid a hefty price

Besiktas striker Pascal Nouma has been given the sack after putting his hand down his shorts to celebrate a goal.

The Frenchman's indecent gesture came after he scored for his club against rivals Fenerbahce in a Turkish league match.

The incident was captured by TV cameras and beamed around Turkey, prompting widespread outrage.

Nouma attempted to justify his actions by saying "it was a private moment of joy" - but it didn't cut any ice with team bosses.

Besiktas president Serdar Bilgili said he had cancelled the player's contract with immediate effect.

"Nouma's actions during the Fenerbahce match are definitely against Turkish moral values and traditions" Bilgili insisted.

"We've decided to send him back to his country."

And it doesn't stop there - even the Turkish government are involved.

Keep your hands where we can see them

Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said: "Nouma has always been a problem for Besiktas - if he wants to have a place in sports, he has to fix his behaviour."

Nouma, who in the past has been accused of hitting a journalist at a nightclub and urinating in public view at a training camp, may also face criminal proceedings.

"I shouldn't have done it. If it hurt Turkey, then I am sorry," he wailed.

"It was not against anyone. It was just a private sign of joy," Nouma added.

Maybe he'll think twice about going in for the tackle next time.