New Delhi: Manuel Neuer’s red card against Bayer Leverkusen in Bayern Munich’s 1-0 defeat on Tuesday has led to a two-match domestic cup suspension. The 38-year-old goalkeeper, renowned for his near-flawless disciplinary record, was sent off in the 17th minute after rushing off his line and fouling Jeremie Frimpong outside the penalty area.
The moment was significant, as it marked Neuer’s first red card in a decorated career spanning almost two decades.
The Incident and the DFB’s Decision
Bayern exit DFB Pokal after Neuer red card and Tella’s winner for Leverkusen. (Image via X/@SystemFoot)
Referee Harm Osmers wasted no time in brandishing the red card after Neuer’s challenge, which denied Frimpong a clear scoring opportunity. While the foul wasn’t reckless or violent, the DFB deemed it a non-serious but obvious prevention of a goal-scoring chance.
The statement said, “The prevention of an obvious scoring chance by a non-serious foul without subsequent scoring usually entails a two-match suspension.”
The ban only applies to domestic cup matches, meaning Neuer won’t face an immediate impact as Bayern are already out of the DFB Pokal. However, this delay in serving the suspension has sparked speculation about Neuer’s future.
With his contract at Bayern expiring at the end of this season, there is uncertainty over whether he will extend his stay, move to another league, or retire altogether. If he chooses to leave German football or hang up his gloves, he may never serve the suspension, potentially making this red card his final DFB Pokal appearance.
The incident also posed immediate challenges for Bayern Munich. Playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes, they couldn’t recover, and Leverkusen capitalised to seal their victory. Beyond this match, the absence of their captain in next season’s domestic cup could complicate Bayern’s plans for silverware.
For Neuer, the suspension is unlikely to tarnish his legacy. His remarkable career includes numerous trophies and individual accolades. However, the timing of this ban has added an unexpected twist to his final chapter at Bayern, should this season be his last.
The DFB stated the foul prevented a clear scoring chance, justifying the ban under established rules for non-serious offences. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
