Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that they have terminated the contract of defender Emir Spahic.
The club came to the decision after evidence emerged that the 34-year-old had headbutted a steward following his side's defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal.
The Bosnian claimed that he was defending his family, insinuating that his brother had been offended by the remarks of the member of the security team.
The club said in a statement: "Bayer 04 Leverkusen will mutually terminate the current contract of Emir Spahic following the incident after the cup game against Bayern Munich with immediate effect."
CEO Michael Schade added: "Emir Spahic is an outstanding football player who has served Bayer 04 well. However, recent findings after the incident last Wednesday left us with no choice."
The 34-year-old had been with the club since 2013.