Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer Handed Two-Game German Cup Ban for ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has been given a two-game German Cup ban for “unsportsmanlike conduct” in Tuesday’s match against Bayer Leverkusen, the country’s football federation (DFB) said on Thursday. The 38-year-old goalkeeper received the first red card of his nearly 20-year career after leaving his line and knocking down Jeremie Frimpong in the 17th minute of Bayern’s 1-0 loss to Leverkusen.

Referee Harm Osmers sent Neuer off following the incident, and the DFB has now confirmed the suspension. “The player is also banned from all of his club’s other cup matches until the ban expires,” the DFB stated. “According to established DFB case law, 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, and with Bayern already eliminated from this season’s German Cup, Neuer will not serve the suspension until next season. However, with Neuer’s contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, there is a possibility that he may never serve the ban if he decides not to extend his stay at Bayern, retires, or leaves German football altogether.

The red card marks an unexpected blemish on Neuer’s illustrious career, which has seen him win numerous titles with Bayern Munich and the German national team, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup.