Ex-Liverpool star Naby Keita is told his behaviour 'cannot be tolerated' and is SUSPENDED by Werder Bremen - as 'complete flop' is likely to be ditched after playing just 106 minutes in the Bundesliga this season

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been suspended until the end of the season by Werder Bremen and hit with a 'significant fine' after reportedly refusing to play against Bayer Leverkusen.

Keita was accused by Werder Bremen’s managing director Clemens Fritz of choosing not to travel to Leverkusen upon learning he would not be in the starting line-up.

The midfielder, who played 129 times for the Liverpool across five rather underwhelming and injury-hit seasons, hit back at the claims on Monday.

Werder Bremen have announced Keita has now been suspended, with the club stating they had 'no alternative'.

Keita, who will not train with the team or be allowed in the dressing room, has also been hit with a 'significant fine' by the Bundesliga said. 

'Naby’s behaviour cannot be tolerated for us as a club,' said Fritz.

'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.' 

Keita had issued a statement on Monday with the Guinea international saying he won’t accept people ‘trying to tarnish my image’.

‘I wish to clarify my situation at my club Werder Bremen. Ever since I arrived at this magnificent club, I have always shown my professionalism,' Keita wrote on Instagram.

‘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 attitude. I will not accept any person trying to tarnish my image.’

Werder Bremen were beaten 5-0 by Leverkusen in the match that eventually crowned Xabi Alonso’s all-conquering side as Bundesliga champions.

Keita was signed by the German club on a three-year deal last summer after his Liverpool contract expired. 

He had joined the Reds for £48million in the summer of 2017.

The signing of Keita has been branded as a 'complete flop' by German outlet Kicker, with the expectation the club will look to move him on in the summer.

Keita's signing had initially been billed as a 'no brainer' by Werder sporting director Frank Baumann last summer, despite his injury plagued spell at Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has made five appearances for Werder this season, making only one start, with his game time totalling 106 minutes in the Bundesliga.

Keita has endured further injury problems this season, but did make four appearances for Guinea on their run to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in January. 

Werder are currently 12th in the Bundesliga and are five points clear of the relegation play-off position.

Keita played out the 2017-18 season in Germany with RB Leipzig before arriving on Merseyside the following campaign.

He was the first player to wear Liverpool's No 8 shirt after Steven Gerrard and went on to scoring 11 goals and provide seven assists.

During that time he helped Jurgen Klopp's side win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Keita arrived with huge expectations but injury problems blighted his spell at Anfield. He started just two Premier League games this season, largely due to two significant injuries.