Bayern Munich ban Mane for 'misconduct' after attack on Sane

ESPN Digital10:00 AM ETReading: 4 min.

Pep Guardiola after win over Bayern Munich: “I’m 10 years old today”

The Manchester City coach has hinted at the nerves he felt during Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

He Bayern Munich have announced they have suspended and fined striker Sadio Mane for “misbehaviour” after the defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, following reports in the German press that the Senegalese attacked his team-mate Leroy Sane.

According to multiple reports in Germany on Wednesday, Mane and Sane clashed in the dressing room after the German club lost to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane argue after Bayern Munich’s defeat against Manchester CityEPA

Reports indicated that Sane’s lip was cut in the altercation and the pair were separated by their teammates late in the game after arguing on the field.

This Thursday, Bayern Munich released a statement announcing the suspension and fine for Mane, who did not play against Hoffenheim.

“31-year-old Sadio Mane will not be in FC Bayern’s squad for next Saturday’s 1899 home game against Hoffenheim. The reason is Mane’s misconduct after FC Bayern’s Champions League game against Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”

Bild added that Mane, the two-time African Footballer of the Year, complained about the way German winger Sane (although he is also of Senegalese descent) spoke to him after the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

The result against City was Bayern Munich’s heaviest defeat in the Champions League since a 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Mane has been involved in the 2022-23 campaign since joining Liverpool in the summer and missed the World Cup with a foot injury sustained on November 8. Sane has been in Munich since the summer of 2020, leaving Manchester City for Bayern in a transfer worth €49 million.

The Bundesliga leaders have been in a transitional period in recent weeks after Thomas Tuchel took over as manager following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann. Tuchel has overseen four matches since being appointed manager, including a league win over Borussia Dortmund, defeat to Freiburg, Bayern’s exit from the German Cup and Tuesday’s loss to Manchester City.

Bayern have 58 points from 27 Bundesliga games this year, while second-placed Dortmund have 56 points with seven games left in the league season. Bayern host Manchester City in the second leg at the Allianz Arena on April 19.