Keïta Suspended and Fined by Werder After Walking Out of Leverkusen Game

Werder Bremen has suspended Naby Keïta for the remainder of the season and issued a "substantial" fine following allegations that he left Sunday's Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen without permission.

The 29-year-old former Liverpool midfielder was absent from the squad during their 5-0 defeat at the BayArena. The club stated that Keïta opted "not to travel to the ground with the team and decided to go home instead" after learning he was not included in the starting lineup.

In a statement on the club's website, Werder Bremen announced: "Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season. The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine." Keïta has been excluded from team training and will not be permitted in the first-team dressing room.

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Clemens Fritz, Werder's head of professional football, emphasized the club's stance on Naby Keïta's actions, stating, "As a club, we won't tolerate Naby's behavior." He expressed disappointment that Keïta prioritized his personal interests over the team's needs during a challenging period.

Fritz highlighted the importance of unity and focus, especially at this stage of the season, when every game is crucial. He emphasized the need for a cohesive team committed to the remaining matches.

Leverkusen's victory secured them the title, while Werder finds themselves in 12th place, with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, with five games left to play.

Keïta, who previously played for RB Leipzig in Germany, joined Werder Bremen on a three-year contract last summer after leaving Liverpool as a free agent.

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen extends European record for consecutive unbeaten games

Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run continues as they maintain their stronghold in the 2023/24 season, clinching the Bundesliga title and extending their European record to an impressive 45 games without defeat across all competitions.