Featured Image Credit: Getty / X/Twitter
Topics: Besiktas, Turkish Super Lig, Football
Ryan Smart
Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas have released young midfielder Emirhan Delibas - shortly after a dating profile featuring images of the player went viral.
The 21-year-old came through the club's academy, and made his Super Lig debut last month during a 3-1 defeat to Kasimpasa.
He also made a six-minute cameo during a Europa Conference League tie against Swiss side Lugano in December, but has not been named in the matchday squad in recent weeks.
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On Monday, Besiktas confirmed on their official website that Demirbas had indeed been released.
The statement read: "We have parted ways with professional football player Emirhan Delibas by mutual agreement.
"We wish Emirhan Delibas success in his future career and present it to the public."
The official reason for his departure has not yet been given, although images of Demirbas on a dating profile had emerged on social media in recent days.
Taking to his Instagram story, the Turkey midfielder called out 'unfounded rumours' surrounding the account, and indicated that his profile had been 'made by fake accounts'.
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He then added: "My loyalty to my team cannot be questioned. Besiktas is a responsibility for me, your love and support has always been my greatest motivation."
According to national outlets Aydinlik and Hurriyet, the player's profile appeared on social media, and attracted a reaction from some of the club's fans.
Meanwhile, Enson Haber claim that the player's explanation 'was not found convincing enough'.
The exact reason behind the club's decision, or any issue with the dating profile, is unclear, although Kibris Postasi claim that Delibas' profile contained images of Besiktas products.
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It is not the first notable incident involving the Turkish giants this season.
In December, the club announced that five players, including former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly and Vincent Aboubakar, had been suspended from the first team due to 'poor performance and incompatibility within the team'.
Bailly's contract was subsequently terminated, just five months after joining the club from United, and the 29-year-old subsequently joined La Liga side Villarreal.