Cenk Sahin: St Pauli release Turkish midfielder after support of military incursion in northern Syria

The player subsequently deleted his Instagram post in support of the military action

Cenk Sahin in action for St Pauli in the DFB Cup (Bongarts/Getty)

Turkish midfielder Cenk Sahin has been released by German 2. Bundesliga side St Pauli after publishing an Instagram post supporting his country’s military incursion in northern Syria.

After Turkey sent troops into Kurdish-held regions of Syria, Sahin’s post caused immediate backlash from the second division club’s supporters.

“Cenk Sahin has been released from his training and playing duties with immediate effect,” St Pauli said in a statement.

“The prime factors in reaching the decisions were his repeated disregard for the club’s values and the need to protect the player.”

Sahin subsequently removed the post and the club are currently conducting an investigation with a number of fans insisted the player should be sacked.

St Pauli say the players contract currently remains in place but he has been given permission to train and play for other clubs.