Werder Bremen’s leadership penalizes Naby Keita after the midfielder refused to travel with the team to BayArena for the clash against Bayer Leverkusen on April 14th.

On the evening of April 14th, Werder Bremen’s official website announced: “Naby Keita has been suspended for the remainder of the season. The club has also fined the midfielder a substantial amount. The 28-year-old player will no longer participate in training sessions or be present in the team’s dressing room.”

“We do not tolerate Naby’s behavior. He has disappointed the team in a difficult time, prioritizing his own interests above all else. We cannot accept that. At this stage, we need unity and focus on the remaining matches. We have no other option for Naby,” stated Werder Bremen’s Director, Clemens Fritz.

After learning that he was not included in the starting lineup for the match in which Werder Bremen lost 0-5 to Bayer Leverkusen on April 14th, midfielder Keita refused to travel with the team to BayArena for the game.

Speaking to DAZN, Bremen’s coach Ole Werner said, “Naby’s actions have angered me, and he will have to pay the price for that. I haven’t spoken to Naby yet, but there will certainly be consequences in the coming days.”

Keita joined Bremen from Liverpool in the summer of 2023. In Germany, the 29-year-old midfielder has not been utilized much, playing only 5 matches across all competitions. Throughout his career, the Guinea international has played for Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, Liverpool, among others.