Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been suspended by Werder Bremen until the end of the season and given a “substantial fine” after refusing to travel with the team for Sunday’s Bundesliga game at Bayer Leverkusen.
Werder Bremen lost 5-0 to Leverkusen who were eventually crowned Bundesliga champions on the day.
Prior to the game, the club said after Naby Keita, 29, found out he would not start the match he “decided to go home instead”.
“We won’t tolerate Naby’s behavior,” said Clemens Fritz, who is the director of football at the club.
“He let his team down in a time of difficulty surrounding our recent run of form and squad availability and put his own interests above those of the team.
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“We can’t allow that. At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team who stick together. That’s why we’ve been left with no alternative.”
As part of his punishment, the Guinea international will not train with the team or be part of the first team dressing room for the rest of the season.
Keita joined 12th-placed Werder in the summer of 2023 after spending five seasons at Anfield but has made only five league appearances for the German side, and just one start.