Werder Bremen Suspend Naby Keita For Rest Of Season

Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keita for the rest of the season after he refused to travel for their game against Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend.

Werder Bremen Suspend Naby Keita For Rest Of Season

Keita reportedly decided not to travel with the team after he was told he would not be starting the game.

Bremen lost 5-0 to Leverkusen which ensured the home side were crowned champions of the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.

A statement released by Werder Bremen read: "Werder Bremen officials have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season. 

"In addition, the Green-Whites have imposed a significant fine on the midfielder. 

"From now on, the 29-year-old will neither train with the team nor spend time in the professional dressing room.

Keita has played just five times for Werder Bremen this season after joining on a free transfer from Liverpool last summer.

“As a club, we won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour," said Werder Bremen head of professional football Clemens Fritz. 

"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.”

Werder Bremen are 12th on the Bundesliga table, five points above the relegation zone.

Keita has a contract with Bremen until the summer of 2026.