Bayern goalkeeper may never serve suspension for first red card of career

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been handed a two-match DFB Cup suspension for the first red card of his career – meaning the Germany legend may never serve the ban if he stops playing in his homeland when his contract expires in June.

Captain Neuer was dismissed for the first time in 864 club and international matches in the 17th minute of Bayern’s round of 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, having come out of his penalty area and brought down Jeremie Frimpong.

The DFB has confirmed Neuer will be ineligible for the first two rounds of next season’s competition, by which time he will be 39.

Manuel Neuer is sent off! 🟥

The Bayern goalkeeper comes out of his box and crashes into Jeremie Frimpong 😱 pic.twitter.com/EBzdZV4WUy

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024

Manuel Neuer contract, retirement

Neuer announced his international retirement this season, having won 124 caps since 2009 and helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup.

When he extended his Bayern contract in 2023, Neuer said one of his aims 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 matches to put themselves in 13th place, which would entail a play-off to reach the knockout stage if it proves their finishing position.

Regular understudy Sven Ulreich is also under contract until 2025, while fellow goalkeeper Daniel Peretz has a deal until 2028.

Israel No1 Peretz replaced Leroy Sane to take Neuer’s place against Leverkusen and could do little about Nathan Tella’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 & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 4, 2024

Neuer ‘powerless’ over red card

Bayern’s elimination represented their first domestic defeat of the season and Neuer disputed his dismissal after the contest.

“The sending off hurts, of course,” Neuer told Sky, via Kicker, after seeing red for the first time in 864 club and international matches.

“It’s not a really active situation in which I’m trying to hurt him. But the thing is that I don’t really touch the ball. He runs into me… but after I miss the ball, [the challenge is] okay for me. In the end, you’re powerless and have to accept what is decided.”

The 11-time Bundesliga and two-time Champions League winner is likely to return in goal when Bayern host third-bottom Heidenheim on Saturday (2.30pm GMT) and visit Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday (8pm).