Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane experienced an awkward substitution in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Manchester City, with the former Liverpool forward replacing his teammate. Mane, 31, was making his comeback after being suspended by the German champions for last weekend’s Bundesliga matchday for allegedly striking Sane during their 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Etihad last Tuesday.

As punishment, the former Liverpool forward was barred from playing in Bayern’s Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena, as well as fined heavily. Prior to his dressing room brawl with Sane, Mirror Football had reported last week that Sadio Mane had been grieving the death of his aunt in Senegal.

Sadio Mane
Leroy Sane and Sadio Mane shared another awkward moment after their dressing room fight last week. Credits: Twitter

Leroy Sane, Sadio Mane avoid eye contact while substitution

Leroy Sane is alleged to have spoken to Sadio Mane later to express his desire to move on from the incident. Mane returned to action for the second leg against City on Wednesday, but he was not featured from in the starting XI, as Sane led an attack that comprised Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Kingsley Coman.

However, in the second half, the Senegal international came on to replace the former City forward. It was an unsettling moment, with Mane attempting to offer his teammate a double high five, but Sane – clearly angered by his side trailing on the night and on the edge of elimination from the competition – ignored this, instead slapping the oncoming forward’s hand down.

Apart from his one-game suspension, Sadio Mane was also fined €350k for his conduct. Bayern president Herbert Hainer said of the decision:

“What happened after the game in Manchester cannot be tolerated. He (Sadio mane) was punished accordingly. The fine – even with his salary – hurts him”

Meanwhile, his new manager, Thomas Tuchel had expressed:

“It was a heavy incident – it was very important that it was cleared before the next training session. I’ve known Sadio for many years – he is a top professional. He’s never had a situation like that. He is focused on football, he has my full confidence. Everybody has the right to make a mistake.

“This was too much – he apologised and I believe him. It was important that he stays in training, but he is suspended and he will be fined. I don’t know where the money will go, the club and the player will decide. It is not my highest priority. It would be nice if things that happened in the locker room stayed in there. We don’t need situations like that to prove our squad is alive. We don’t tolerate things like that.”

Mane left Liverpool for Bayern Munich in a £35 deal last summer. The 31-year-old forward ended six trophy-laden seasons at Anfield after stating his desire for a new challenge, but things did not go as planned. The Senegalese forward scored 120 goals in 269 games for Liverpool and won six major awards during his stint with Jurgen Klopp’s team, which has struggled this season without the former Southampton front.

However, it has been a tough adaptation away from the Reds for Mane. He has only scored six goals in the Bundesliga this season and has struggled with fitness and form in recent months. That form, along with this heinous incident, has fueled speculation that he may be departing the club just a year after joining.