Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been suspended for the remainder of the 2023/24 season by SV Werder Bremen.
The club came to this conclusion after Naby Keita was adjourned to have miss the match against Bayern Leverkusen because he was starting from the bench.
Werder Bremen sporting director, Clemens Fritz, claimed that Keita refused to feature in their match against Bayer Leverkusen on the weekend.
The club released a statement making fans aware of Keita’s suspension. Keita has also been handed a substantial fine, and he’ll no longer train with the team or be present in the senior dressing room.
Clemens Fritz, Werder Bremen’s head of professional football said:
“As a club, we won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour. 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. 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.”
The statement continued: “After finding out that he would not be in the starting XI against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Naby Keïta chose not to travel to the ground with the team, and decided to go home instead.”
Reacting to the club decision, Keita also released a statement to clarify the situation.
“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. 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.
“To the supporters, I would like you to know that in every training session, I fight so that I can make you happy every weekend. Training, giving everything, these are the limits of my power. To my teammates, good luck for our match. Go Werder!”
Keita will miss his club’s remaining five games of the season against VfB Stuttgart, Augsburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, RB Leipzig and VfL Bochum.
