Sadio Mane has been suspended and received a fine after punching fellow Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane in the face, the club have confirmed.
Mane’s time at Bayern has been eventful to say the least, with recent months bringing claims of a confrontation with then-manager Julian Nagelsmann
His struggles on the pitch – where he is now 12 games without a goal – have been matched off it, with the aftermath of Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Man City bringing an incident with Sane in the dressing room.
According to Sky Germany, after an argument with Sane in the closing stages at the Etihad, Mane then punched his team-mate in the face.
The contact left Sane with a bloody lip while the pair were “separated” by the rest of the squad, who were “visibly shocked” by the Senegalese’s actions.
Both players apologised to their team-mates on Thursday ahead of training, while Mane awaited the club’s punishment.
Though there were claims that he could even see his contract terminated – less than a year after joining from Liverpool – the 31-year-old has instead been suspended.
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Bayern confirmed Mane would “not be included” for their clash with Hoffenheim on Saturday and “will also be given a fine.”
The situation comes in a season which is unravelling for Mane, who arrived as a high-profile signing but has struggled to cement himself as a key player.
In recent weeks he has not been a first-choice starter – including the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Man City, which saw him play the final 21 minutes off the bench.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has speculated that Mane will not stay in Munich beyond the summer, with there “many players who are critical” of his conduct.
It is sad considering the status he enjoyed at Liverpool, with 120 goals and 38 assists coming in 269 games over a six-year period that saw him win every trophy possible.
Bayern are currently top of the Bundesliga but only two points clear of Dortmund, while outsiders Union Berlin, RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg still lurk.
Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane meeting takes place with ‘time running out’ for former Liverpool man at Bayern Munich
A meeting has taken place with Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane present after the former Liverpool star allegedly attacked his Bayern Munich team-mate, according to reports in Germany.
The incident came to light in the aftermath of their 3-0 defeat away at Manchester City in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. It has been reported that the ex-Red was upset by the manner he was spoken to after a passage of play late in their clash at the Etihad Stadium.
It has been reported that the matter led to a ‘loud discussion’ taking place between the pair after the game. After Mane voiced his complaints, the pair had to be ‘separated’ and after the 31-year-old is said to have landed a punch on the lip of the former Manchester City forward.
Bayern Munich have refused to comment on the matter and on Thursday, both forwards reported for training ahead of their return to Bundesliga action. Sane was pictured at the back of the running pack with the former Liverpool star at the front speaking to Benjamin Pavard.
The squad appeared to be in good spirits as they look to strengthen their position at the summit of the German top-flight. Both players involved in the incident were pictured next to each other, while other snaps portray Thomas Tuchel gesturing to Mane in a one-to-one conversation.
BILD have reported that both parties were present for a meeting this morning, while there have been talks with the Senegal international’s management, with Mane admitting his error, as per the report.
The decision is said to be communicated after their session at the Säbener Strasse complex.
Sky Sports Germany have reported that a fine or suspension could be one of the sanctions following Mane’s actions on Manchester this week.
“FC Bayern cannot accept that. It will go beyond a fine. FC Bayern must set an example,” said reporter Florian Plettenberg as reported by the German outlet.
It is suspected that Mane’s time in Bavaria will come to an end upon the conclusion of the season. He added: “In Thomas Tuchel they brought in a coach under whom this shouldn’t happen. I don’t believe in Sadio Mane’s future at Bayern beyond the summer.
“There are many players who are critical of Mane. They assume that Mane will no longer play at Bayern Munich.”