Amid disciplinary issues and transfer speculation, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped by Borussia Dortmund for Friday night's trip to Hertha Berlin.
But, having been instructed to stay at home and train with the reserves, the striker spent his evening not watching his teammates on TV, but playing five-a-side with friends.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went and played 5-a-side in Dortmund tonight with his mates...while his team-mates were playing away at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. Hmm. With an Ousmane Dembélé shirt on. Hmm. [📸BILD] pic.twitter.com/s8U12iAIHd
— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) January 19, 2018
Aubameyang was spotted playing at Soccerworld in Dortmund while wearing his club's replica shirt with Ousmane Dembele's name and former squad number on the back.
The decision didn't sit well with some fans, especially BILD journalist Michael Makus, who got embroiled in a minor spat with Auba after criticising the Gabonese international's lack of concern.
"Watching in the stands or training with the group, that would be the correct answer for the characterless Aubameyang," Makus wrote on Twitter.
Bla bla bla next step is the jail 😆😂🤙🏽you don't know nothing so take care of you!!! not me
— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) January 19, 2018
Aubameyang soon hit back, telling Markus he "knows nothing" so should keep his thoughts to himself.
The BILD scribe then asked if the Dortmund forward had "forgotten his Arsenal shirt" for his extracurricular kickabout.
😆😂you are a good joker 🃏like your Twitter certification good Night
— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) January 19, 2018
Aubameyang replied again, laying on the heavy sarcasm by quipping that Markus was "a good joker," just like his Twitter verification.
The latter then managed to sneak the last word in by asserting that, as long as Aubameyang remains a Dortmund player, he should continue to work for the club and the fans that pay his wages.
Fair enough, really.