Sadio Mane is expected to apologize to his Bayern teammates today following the forward’s dressing room incident with Bayern Munich teammate Leroy Sane.
During Tuesday night’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Manchester City, the strikers were spotted arguing on the pitch. When the two returned to the dressing room, they got into a fight, and Mane allegedly punched Sane in the face.
Leroy Sane appears to hide his lip injury after Sadio Mane punched his Bayern teammate in a bust-up after their defeat to Man City đŸ“¸ pic.twitter.com/RJPSlUEu8r
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 13, 2023
What happened between the pair?
According to Bild and Sky Sports Germany, Sané received a cut lip during the confrontation. The two had to be separated by teammates.
The Senegal international Mané, a two-time African footballer of the year, was upset with the way Germany winger Sané talked to him.
Sane protested to Mane in the 83rd minute of the match about a failed run behind the Cityzens’ defense, while the latter asked his partner to come short. It resulted in them exchanging angry remarks.
What punishments could Sadio Mane receive?
Bayern’s board of directors is currently considering suitable punishment for its Senegalese star, with Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenburg saying that the punishment will “go beyond a fine.”
News #ManĂ©: He has already arrived the training center this morning. He was smiling. Bosses have discussed several possible consequences yesterday: fine, suspension, even separation. Team training today at 11 am. His apology in front of the team is expected today. @SkySportDE đŸ‡¸đŸ‡³ pic.twitter.com/HCPH1ajq55
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 13, 2023
Plettenburg mentions that the board is examining a variety of measures, including suspension or “separation” between the club and the player. Mane is expected to apologize to his bewildered teammates as the club returns to training in Munich today.
Bayern has already announced that the 31-year-old former Liverpool attacker would miss Saturday’s home match against Hoffenheim. He will also be fined heavily. It was defined as punishment for “misconduct” in a statement, but no further specifics were provided. However, more punishments could soon follow.
BREAKING: Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane punched teammate Leroy Sane in the face after yesterday’s Champions League defeat at Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/diUYAnBiDF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 12, 2023
The club’s official statement read, “Sadio Mane, 31, will not be included in the FC Bayern squad for this Saturday’s home match against 1899 Hoffenheim. This is due to his misconduct after Bayern’s Champions League match at Manchester City. Mane will also be given a fine.”
Plettenberg also reports Bayern Munich is considering selling him this summer, only one year after buying him from Liverpool. Bayern could instead invest heavily in a new striker in the summer.
The 3-0 defeat at the Etihad was the last nail in Mane’s coffin. The Senegal international joined Bayern for £35 million following a glittering career at Liverpool. He has missed much of this season due to injury, including the World Cup. He has since scored 11 goals in 32 Bayern appearances.
Mané is still available to play against Manchester City on Wednesday. Tuchel has still to decide whether or not to choose the player for the important game. Bayern will play Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday, where Mane will not be participating.
