Bayern Munich have confirmed that Sadio Mane will not be part of their squad to face Hoffenheim at the weekend after his altercation with Leroy Sane.
The German champions were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, throwing their hopes of a seventh European crown in serious doubts. It was Bayern’s fourth game after Thomas Tuchel replaced Julian Nagelsmann and already their second defeat, having also been knocked out of the DFB Pokal.
Leroy Sane started the match against his former club on the left and was arguably Bayern’s best player, while Sadio Mane came off the bench for the final 20 minutes. In that time, Mane had just six touches and struggled on his return to England, with Sane reportedly having a go at his teammate during the match.
After the full-time whistle, the pair were seen arguing. Mane reportedly took exception to the way Sane had spoken to him and it carried on as they went down the tunnel into the dressing room.
While many were still analysing the performance on the pitch, news emerged on Wednesday morning of an altercation between Sane and Mane, which saw the latter punch his German teammate in the face according to the Guardian, who say the pair had to be separated by teammates.
When Bayern returned to Germany, both Mane and Sane were seen in training but the latter appeared to be hiding his bottom lip from cameras — adding to the speculation that it had been split by a punch from Mane.
And now, Bayern have confirmed that Mane will be punished for his role in the altercation, being left out of their next squad and receiving a fine.
“Sadio Mane , 31, will not be in the FC Bayern squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday,” the statement read.
“The reason is misconduct by Mane after FC Bayern’s Champions League game at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”
OFFICIAL: Bayern have confirmed that Sadio Mané will not be in the squad for the club's next game against Hoffenheim due to "misconduct" after the defeat to Man City. pic.twitter.com/2pDw0Sscjy
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2023
Mane has had a slow season with Bayern after joining from Liverpool in the summer, scoring 11 goals and recording five assists in 32 games across all competitions, though he has only just returned from injury. The Senegalese forward mainly takes up the central forward role in a bid to replace Robert Lewandowski, but has also appeared on the left wing.
Bayern face Hoffenheim at the weekend looking to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with seven games left in the season, having recently overtaken rivals Borussia Dortmund.