Manuel Neuer CLATTERS Jeremie Frimpong to earn his first EVER crimson card as Bayern Munich are knocked out of the German Cup by Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen
- The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was shown the first red card of his iconic career
- Manuel Neuer was given his marching orders during Bayern’s German Cup defeat
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Manuel Neuer was astonishingly shown the first red card of his career on Tuesday evening as Bayern Munich suffered a 1-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
Vincent Kompany watched on in horror as his side’s German Cup exit was confirmed in the round of 16 clash that saw Leverkusen star Nathan Tella score the game’s only goal.
However, his winning strike was scored past Bayern’s back-up shot-stopper Daniel Peretz after Neuer was sent off for committing a straight red card offence just 17 minutes into the contest.
Amazingly the German No 1 had never been given his marching orders before the fixture despite making an incredible 867 appearances for Schalke, Germany and Bayern in a career spanning 19 years.
On this occasion, Neuer handed the referee an easy decision to make at the Allianz Arena after burst off his line and sprinted forward to stop a ball over the top that had been played into the path of Jeremie Frimpong.
The 38-year-old made no clear attempt to play the ball and instead clattered into the Leverkusen star shoulder first, leaving Frimpong in a heap on the floor and writhing in agony.
Manuel Neuer was astonishingly shown the first red card of his career on Tuesday evening
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was sent off for this challenge on Jeremie Frimpong (left)
Neuer offered little complaint after the red card was brandished and quickly departed the pitch
Neuer offered little complaint after the red card was brandished and quickly departed the pitch in what was a rare moment of madness for the veteran goalkeeper who has struggled at times this season.
Speaking after the match, Neuer apologised for his actions and admitted he had apologised to both teams for his rash challenge that was deservedly punished.
‘It was decisive for the game. It hurts us and I’m sorry. I’ve apologised to the team,’ Neuer told Sky Germany.
‘I was still hoping for an offside in the 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 been shown a total 23 cards throughout his club career but had never seen his actions warrant a more serious red that will now see him serve a ban.
Amazingly the German No.1 had never been given his marching orders before the fixture
Meanwhile, Bayern were without star striker Harry Kane for the encounter after the England captain picked up a small injury during Sunday’s draw against title rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Kane was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s cup clash but could return for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash against minnows Heidenheim.
