This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Naby Keita has been suspended by Bundesliga side Werder Bremen (Image: Getty). 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 traveling home after learning that he would not start the Bundesliga clash.
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.
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.” Keita joined Werder on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. But he has endured a tough season with his side struggling for form and sitting 12th in the 18-team Bundesliga.
The former RB Leipzig player has played only 106 minutes of Bundesliga football this season, with a muscle injury preventing him from making a more substantial impact. He has started only one game and it appears that his exclusion against Bayer was the final straw. Prior to his suspension, Keita had been widely linked with a summer departure from the Bremen club. That now seems a formality.