Bendtner fined by Wolfsburg over Mercedes Instagram photo

Nicklas Bendtner has been fined by Wolfsburg after posing next to a Mercedes car on his Instagram profile.

The Denmark international was disciplined as his club is owned by Mercedes' rival car manufacturer Volkswagen. Coach Klaus Allofs confirmed that Bendtner has been given a "punishment" as a result of the post.

"It was carelessness," Allofs told reporters.

Bendtner, who was left out of Wolfsburg's squad for its 3-2 Champions League victory against Gent, was recently the subject of interest from Chinese clubs, his manager added.

"I can confirm that there were a few bids from China on Nicklas Bendtner in the Bundesliga winter break," said Allofs.  "But none of the inquiries was official enough that we so much as contemplating a transfer."