ANKARA, Turkey -- A French soccer player who celebrated a goal by stripping his shirt and putting his hand down his shorts was fired Tuesday by his Turkish team.
Pascal Nouma angered fans during a league game last weekend. Besiktas president Serdar Bilgili said Nouma's actions are "definitely against Turkish moral values and traditions."
"We've canceled his contract unilaterally. ... We've decided to send him back to his country," Bilgili said.
Nouma apologized Monday, saying he celebrated because his goal in the 2-0 win over rival Fenerbahce ended his four-week scoreless streak.
"It was not against anyone. It was just a private sign of joy," Nouma said. "I shouldn't have done it. If it hurt Turkey, then I am sorry."
Besiktas fans accused the Frenchman of violating conservative values in this predominantly Muslim country.
"I am ashamed of such action by someone from my team," said Senol Guler, a 40-year-old Besiktas fan. "Women and children were watching it, too."
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