Red for Bayern goalie

First title chance gone! Neuer apologizes

Manuel Neuer (right) sees red.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

"Of course that's decisive for the game. It hurts us and of course I'm sorry." Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was really upset after the cup exit. Munich's first chance at the title is gone.

Bayern failed to beat defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 tie in Munich on Tuesday evening. Because goalkeeper Manuel Neuer felled Jeremie Frimpong with a body check during an "excursion" and was sent off with a red card for goal theft (17'). The Werkself took advantage of the superior numbers: Nathan Tella scored the 1:0 golden goal with his head (69').

Manuel Neuer rams Jeremie Frimpong ...(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

... and sees red.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

In the Sky interview after the game, Neuer was hugely disappointed. "I saw him run in. He made such a cross and then ran steeply into the top. I wanted to resolve the situation going forward. I didn't touch the ball and he was standing there. I didn't create an active situation. But because I didn't touch the ball, the referee decided to blow his whistle and give me a red card," explained the keeper. "I've already apologized to one or two people on the pitch."

First sending off in 866th game
In his 866th professional game, the 38-year-old was sent off for the first time (!). Bayern's first chance at the title was gone, and the record winners were knocked out of the cup competition early for the fifth time in a row.