Bayer Leverkusen terminate Emir Spahic's contract

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.