It seems that Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane have set aside their differences. On Wednesday night, following the substitution of Leroy Sane for Sadio Mane against Manchester City, the pair were spotted giving high fives.
Joshua Kimmich’s penalty goal neutralized Erling Haaland’s goal early in the second half to keep Bayern and Man City tied at 1 in the second leg. But the Bavarians could not take victory into their own hands after missing a load of chances in front of the opposition goal. They ultimately bowed out of the Champions League 4-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
German winger Sane was substituted off the second half of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against the Premier League champions by his Senegalese teammate. Before Sane left the field, the two players exchanged a short encounter on the touchline, but many people saw their high-five.
What had happened between the pair?
During last Wednesday 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. Sane had a bloodied lip as a result of the confrontation.
The two then had to be separated by teammates. Mané, a two-time African footballer of the year, was upset with the way Germany winger Sané talked to him.
Sane had 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.
How was Sadio Mane punished?
The Bundesliga heavyweights fined him more than £250,000 for the assault on Sane and he was also benched for Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim. The fee is thought to be the biggest fine in Bayern history.
The club gave Mane a one-game suspension, which he has already completed. He was then allowed to rejoin the team in time for their encounter against Man City.
Sadio Mané subs on for Leroy Sané 👀 pic.twitter.com/Izt255CUlB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 19, 2023
Bayern had posted a statement after the incident ahead of their clash against 1899 Hoffenheim. It said,
“Sadio Mane, 31, will not be in the FC Bayern squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday. The reason is misconduct by Mane after FC Bayern’s Champions League game at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”
It appears that the two got along well because they were both observed participating in the team’s training exercise on Thursday of last week. Both apologized for their actions in the training session with their teammates. And now the high five proves that they truly have recovered from their feud.
Bayern Munich has now been knocked out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League. They now have only the Bundesliga left to fight for. New manager Thomas Tuchel oversaw the knockout losses leading many to question Nagelsmann’s departure.
