Yesterday evening, the latest installment of the Nicolas Anelka saga saw him sacked by his club West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies took the decision after the French striker, who was recently suspended for five matches as a result of the 'quenelle' gesture that he made during a goal celebration in December, had earlier claimed on Twitter that he was to release himself from his deal with the Black Country club.
Of course, the 35-year-old is not the first footballer to have had his contract terminated. Below, Sports Mole has picked out five other players who have previously been sacked for a variety of reasons.
1. Jeffrey de Visscher
Reports in his native Netherlands claimed in 2012 that the former Aberdeen player had been fired by FC Emmen after he had been caught by police having a number two by the side of the road. It was further speculated that the winger was drunk at the wheel, although it was said that De Visscher had insisted that a friend, who had disappeared from the scene, was driving him. Nevertheless, he was sacked by Emmen, although De Visscher is adamant that it was due to a lack of playing opportunities, rather than the aforementioned call of nature.
2. Adrian Mutu
Chelsea parted with around £15m to bring the Romanian to Stamford Bridge, but despite an initial positive start to life in West London, Mutu's contribution stated to wane. Then, in September 2004, the centre-forward failed a drugs test, having tested positive for what was believed to be cocaine. Soon after, the Blues terminated his contract.
© Getty Images
3. Karl Colley
Having been sent off in a match against Coalville earlier this year, Goole defender Colley took exception to something that he had heard from a section of supporters. Clearly angered, the 30-year-old raced into the stands and made three attempts to square up to a fan before he was eventually dragged away by a club official. In the days that followed, Colley was sacked by the Northern Premier Division club.
4. Michael Keane
When former Preston North End and Hull City midfielder Michael Keane joined St Patrick's Athletic in 2007, it was seen as a real coup for the Irish club. However, after just one season with the Pats, the former Republic of Ireland youth international was called into a meeting with officials, who informed him that his contract was being ended early because he had failed to adhere to an ultimatum set down about his physical condition.
5. Johnny dos Santos
Quite what was going through Dos Santos's head in an Independente match against Marilia last year, only he knows. With his side losing 1-0, the defender inexplicably confronted the referee, before sending him flying to the floor with a karate kick. Unsurprisingly, he was arrested and later expelled by his employers.
Liam Apicella
