Manuel Neuer's Red Card: A First in 866 Games, Results in Two-Game German Cup Ban

Bayern Munich's long-time captain Manuel Neuer has been handed a two-game suspension in the German Cup following his first-ever red card in his illustrious 866-game career.

Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute of the match his team lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 as the 38-year-old goalkeeper rushed out of his goal and collided with an advancing Jeremie Frimpong.

ALSO READ: Dressage: Olympic hero Charlotte Dujardin banned and fined over horse-whipping row

With Bayern reduced to 10 men, Leverkusen won 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Nathan Tella.

A German FA (DFB) disciplinary committee said Thursday a "two-match ban" was the usual penalty for "preventing an obvious goal-scoring opportunity for a foul without a goal being scored".

The 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper apologised to his teammates for the red card on social media after the defeat.

With Bayern out of the competition, Neuer would not serve the ban until next season's German Cup or Super Cup.

Neuer's contract at Bayern expires at the end of the current season, meaning he would avoid the ban should he retire or leave German football.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to web's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for web audience.