Diego hit with six-figure fine

Brazil international Diego has been slapped with an astonishing 500,000-euro fine for abandoning Wolfsburg’s last game of the season.

Diego reportedly left the team hotel without permission and failed to show at Wolfburg’s season-ending trip to Hoffeinheim, a 3-1 victory that ensured their Bundesliga survival.

The midfielder is believed to have been upset at being dropped for the match by coach Felix Magath.

As punishment, the German club has stripped the 26-year-old of one month’s wages and issued him with a reprimand, according to Sports Bild.

Wolfsburg refused to specify the amount but did confirm they had fined Diego the maximum allowable penalty for his behaviour.

The incident is not the first time the Brazilian has earned the ire of Wolfsburg officials.

In February, he took – and missed – a penalty against Hanover despite direct orders from then-manager Steve McLaren that striker Patrick Helmes should take all spot kicks.

Hanover went on to win 1-0, plummeting Wolfburg to within a point of the relegation zone, and the subsequent player-manager showdown saw Diego fined 100,000 euros and McLaren sacked.