Cartu lost his cool in the 1-0 reverse at St Jakob Park, smashing the perspex side of the dugout with his foot after seeing his side concede the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.

Cluj today apologised to both UEFA and Basle for Cartu's actions, and confirmed he would be replaced by Alin Minteuan, who steps up from his role as assistant coach.

"CFR 1907 Cluj Football Club has decided to fire manager Sorin Cartu, because of his behaviour during the game with FC Basle," read a statement from club president Iuliu Muresan on www.cfr1907.ro.

"The image and the values of the club can not be associated with the misbehaviour which took place.

"Due to this unwanted gesture committed by Sorin Cartu we have decided to sack him from his current position.

"We would like to give our most sincere apologies first of all to UEFA, the host of the Champions League competition, to the Swiss club FC Basle 1893, to our fans and to all football and sports fans.

"As of today the manager of the team will be Alin Minteuan, he will be assisted by Paolo Potocnik and Horea Carlan.

"We apologise once more for the gesture which doesn't bring honour to football, to the Champions League competition and to CFR 1907 Cluj."

Tuesday's defeat consigned Cluj to last place in Champions League Group E while they are down in eighth place in the domestic championship.