- The Bayern Munich goalkeeper received the first red card of his iconic career
- Manuel Neuer was given his marching orders during Bayern’s defeat in the German Cup
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Manuel Neuer surprisingly received the first red card of his career on Tuesday evening as Bayern Munich suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
Vincent Kompany watched in horror as his side’s exit from the German Cup was confirmed in the round of 16, with Leverkusen star Nathan Tella scoring the only goal of the match.
However, his winning goal was scored past Bayern’s back-up shot-stopper Daniel Peretz after Neuer was sent off 17 minutes into the match for committing a straight red card.
Amazingly, the German No. 1 had never been given his marching orders before the match, despite playing a staggering 867 games for Schalke, Germany and Bayern in a career spanning 19 years.
On this occasion, Neuer gave the referee an easy decision to make at the Allianz Arena after bursting from his line and sprinting forward to stop a ball over the top that had been played into the path of Jeremy Frimpong.
The 38-year-old made no apparent attempt to play the ball and instead clattered first into the Leverkusen star’s shoulder, leaving Frimpong on the ground and writhing in pain.
Manuel Neuer surprisingly received the first red card of his career on Tuesday evening
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was sent off for this challenge on Jeremy Frimpong (left)
Neuer expressed few complaints after the red card was drawn and quickly left the field
Neuer expressed few complaints after the red card was drawn and quickly left the field in what was a rare moment of madness for the veteran goalkeeper who has struggled at times this season.
After the match, Neuer apologized for his actions and admitted that he had apologized to both teams for his rash challenge, which was duly punished.
‘It was decisive for the match. It hurts us and I’m sorry. I have apologized to the team,” Neuer told Sky Germany.
‘I was still hoping for offside in this situation. I can’t change it now. It was a mistake and I have to accept it. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it.’
Neuer has received a total of 23 cards during his club career but has never seen his actions warrant a more serious red, which means he will now have to serve a ban.
Amazingly, the German No. 1 had never been given his marching orders before the match
Meanwhile, Bayern were without star striker Harry Kane for the encounter after the England captain suffered a minor injury during Sunday’s draw against title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Kane was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s cup match but could return for this weekend’s Bundesliga match against minnows Heidenheim.