The goalkeeper had never received a red card in his professional career.
Throughout their careers, it is common for footballers to receive bookings and send-offs. However, until now, a renowned European player, world champion with Germany, had never received a red card in his entire career.
It concerns Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, who, at the age of 38 and after more than 850 matches played, received his first red card this Tuesday in the German Cup quarter-finals against Bayer Leverkusen in Munich.
In the 17th minute, following a long ball from Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, the reigning German Cup champions, Neuer left the area and struck Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong, who had beaten Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano.
The match referee, Harm Osmers, did not hesitate and issued a clear red card. Coach Vincent Kompany substituted Leroy Sané to bring in Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who had excelled with his national team in the recent Nations League matches in November.
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Neuer, who has played 866 matches for club and country, had never before received a red card, which had been a remarkable milestone in football.
It is worth recalling that Neuer was a champion of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. One of the memorable moments from that match was Neuer’s advance to intercept a ball being received by Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. That incident could also have resulted in a sending-off.
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