Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been handed a two-match DFB Cup ban for the first red card of his career – meaning the Germany legend may never serve the ban if he stops playing for his homeland when his contract expires of June.
Captain Neuer was sent off for the first time in 864 club and international matches in the 17th minute of Bayern’s last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday after breaking out of the penalty area and bringing down Jeremie Frimpong.
The DFB confirmed that Neuer will not be fit for the first two rounds of next season’s competition, by which time he will be 39.
Manuel Neuer is sent off! 🥇
Bayern goalkeeper comes out of his box and runs into Jeremy Fribong 😱 pic.twitter.com/EBzdZV4WUy
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
Manuel Neuer contract, exit
Neuer announced his international retirement this season, having won 124 caps since 2009 and helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup.
When he extended his contract with Bayern to 2023, Neuer said one of his goals was to reach this season’s Champions League final in Munich.
With Neuer starting all five of their European games this season, Bayern have won three and lost two to sit in 13th place, which would mean a play-off to reach the knockout stages if they prove their place in termination.
Regular Sven Ulreich is also under contract until 2025, while fellow goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is under contract until 2028.
Israel No.1 Peretz replaced Leroy Sane to take Neuer’s place against Leverkusen and could do nothing to Nathan Tela’s second-half header for the only goal of the game.
Toni Kroos reacts to Manuel Neuer’s apology on IG: “Stop apologizing! 🐐’ pic.twitter.com/vpCtZEAc4Y
— Bayern and Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 4, 2024
“Weak” Neuer for the red card
Bayern’s dismissal represented their first home defeat of the season and Neuer questioned his dismissal after the game.
“Dismissal hurts, of course,” Neuer told Sky Kickerafter seeing red.
“It’s not a really active situation where I’m trying to hurt him. But the thing is, I don’t really touch the ball. It falls on me… but after I lose the ball, (the challenge is) OK for me. In the end, you are powerless and have to accept what is decided.”
The 11-time Bundesliga winner and two-time Champions League winner is likely to return to goal when Bayern suffer third defeat at Heidenheim on Saturday (2.30pm GMT) and visit Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday (20: 00).
