Naples exclude Noa Lang from the match against Arsenal for misconduct

Naples excluded Noa Lang from the Champions League match against Arsenal on Wednesday evening, the decision being motivated by behavior deemed inappropriate, according to sporting director Giovanni Manna. The Dutchman, former Club Brugge player, was not on the bench and watched the game from the stands alongside Manna.

Reason for the sanction

Naples, Italian club, made a strong decision regarding the former Bruges player, who was absent during the Champions League match against Arsenal on Wednesday evening. Sporting director Giovanni Manna indicated that the absence was not related to an injury but to behavior deemed inappropriate.

"He did not behave well. Noa apologized and the matter is closed," Manna said, relayed by Fabrizio Romano. Napoli does not intend to take the sanction further.

Noa Lang remains under contract with Naples, but he is not considered a starter. This season, he has played only two matches for the club, including just one as a starter against Como, while he was on the bench for the clash against Internazionale.

Last summer, the Dutchman was loaned to Galatasaray for half a season, where he made 19 appearances, scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists. The Turkish club gave up the €30 million purchase option.

Before Naples, Lang played for Club Brugge, tallying 38 goals and 34 assists in 125 matches, and winning two domestic titles as well as two Super Cups.

He will be able to rejoin the Neapolitan squad as early as the next league match, but his role in coach Massimiliano Allegri's selections remains uncertain. This new episode adds to the 2021 controversies, when his chant during Club Brugge's title celebrations had sparked accusations of antisemitism, which he denied, in sport.