Naby Keita suspended by Werder Bremen and hit with 'substantial fine'

Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keita over his alleged refusal to feature in the club’s game against Bayer Leverkusen. Former Liverpool midfielder Keita, who has also been hit with a ‘substantial’ fine, is accused by Werder chiefs of travelling home after learning that he would not start the Bundesliga clash.

Keita had travelled with the squad for the weekend’s match but is accused of not joining the squad on their trip to Bayer’s BayArena after being told that he was not in the starting lineup. Werder director Clemens Fritz has accused the 29-year-old of travelling home.

Without Keita, Werder were thumped 5-0 in a game that confirmed Xabi Alonso’s Bayer as Bundesliga champions. Fritz insisted that the Guinea international would face a strong sanction.

Werder have now confirmed that Keita has been excluded from their first-team squad for the final five games of the season. He has also received a fine with a statement reading: “SV Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keita until the end of the season.

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“The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine. The [29]-year-old will no longer train with the team or be part of the first-team dressing room.”

Earlier this week, Keita accused his club of attempting to ‘tarnish’ his reputation, claiming that he has no history of disciplinary issues. He hit back in a statement on his Instagram page.

“I wish to clarify my situation at my club Werder Bremen. Ever since I arrived at this magnificent club, I have always shown my professionalism,” Keita wrote.

“I have always tried to help the club and the great supporters, especially during this time of poor results. Since the start of my career I have never had problems with my discipline and have always shown an exemplary attitude. I will not accept any person trying to tarnish my image.”