Former Liverpool star Naby Keita suspended by Werder Bremen. Know why

Naby Keita has been suspended by Werder Bremen and barred from using the Bundesliga club's facilities after the former Liverpool star refused to board the team bus during the weekend's match against Bayer Leverkusen.

The club released a statement on Tuesday (Apr 16), confirming that the Guinean player was handed the suspension and forced to fork out a heavy fine as well.

«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 28-year-old will neither train with the team nor spend time in the professional dressing room,» read the statement.

The punishment was coming after Bremen's sporting director, Clemens Fritz, claimed that the midfielder opted to miss the team bus after learning that he would not be in the starting lineup against the German champions.

«Naby’s behaviour cannot be tolerated for us as a club. With this action, he let his team down in a tense sporting and personnel situation and placed himself above the team. We can't allow that. At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team that is very close together. There was therefore no alternative to our measures,» said Fritz.

Also read | HISTORY! Bayer Leverkusen win maiden Bundesliga title, end Bayern Munich's domestic domination

Keita issues statement

Keita, however, has denied the allegations against him and took to his Instagram handle and posted a story, sharing his side of the story.

«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