Sadio Mane subbed in for Leroy Sane in the Bayern Munich vs Manchester City Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena amid the punch saga. Pep Guardiola and co won on aggregate and will play Real Madrid in the semis.
Erling Haaland gave City the lead in the 57th minute before Joshua Kimmich equalised in the 83rd. The second-leg of the high-octane game ended 1-1. Guardiola’s men had a 3-0 advantage coming into the game. They won on a 4-1 aggregate.
In the 64th minute, Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel called in for Mane to replace Sane. The two players shared an ‘awkward’ exchange on the sideline. The former was returning to action after being suspended for a game for allegedly punching the latter following their loss to City at Etihad last Tuesday.
Mane, 31, sat out of Bayern Munich’s game against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena. He was penalised with a hefty fine. The picture of Sane playing with swollen lips went viral on social media.
Mirror Football, in an exclusive report, revealed that the former Liverpool player has been grieving the death of his aunt. He reportedly spoke to Leroy Sane and expressed his desire to move on from the punch saga.
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Sadio Mane was fined €350k for his conduct. Club President Herbert Hainer said: “The fine hurts him – even with his salary.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel added that ‘it was a heavy incident’.
“It was very important that it was cleared before the next training session,” the former Chelsea boss added. “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.”
