Schalke suspends Meyer for rest of season

Max Meyer's career at Schalke is all but over.

Schalke suspended Meyer on Monday after the 22-year-old gave an unauthorised interview in which he accused the club of bullying.

Meyer is set to leave as a free agent following the expiration of his contract in June.

Sporting director Christian Heidel said last week the two parties were "dealing with the situation very professionally" and that their relationship was "amicable."

However, following his exclusion from Schalke's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, Meyer claimed the club actively denied him playing time. He also lashed out at Heidel for depicting him and Leon Goretzka - who has already agreed to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer - as players who "follow the money."

Schalke took a different view.

"We can't tolerate such statements and such behaviour," Heidel added in the club's statement. "We're upset more by his accusations of bullying, which we strongly deny, than his untrue allegations. Schalke 04 have always behaved correctly to Max Meyer."

Schalke argued manager Domenico Tedesco had given Meyer every opportunity to start this season, pointing out he's featured in 28 of a possible 37 matches in all competitions.

The Gelsenkirchen outfit went on to explain Meyer's weekend absence was due to a foot injury. The player rejected an MRI and withdrew himself from training, making it impossible for Tedesco to call him up for the match.

Meyer opted to let his terms expire after rejecting multiple contract offers earlier in the campaign.