Aston Villa have terminated the contract of Turkish international Alpay by mutual consent.
The central defender caused a storm of controversy when he goaded David Beckham after the England captain missed a penalty in the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul and then was involved in another confrontation with the Real Madrid star in the players' tunnel at half-time.
Alpay was already unpopular with many of the club's supporters and was booed during the recent home game with Charlton.
Chairman Doug Ellis told the club's official website www.avfc.co.uk: "In light of recent events, it would have been difficult for Alpay to represent Aston Villa again in the future and the player himself was aware that life in England had become increasingly difficult for him and his family.
"Therefore, both parties agreed that the best course of action was for the immediate termination of his contract which was due to expire in June 2004.