Joshua Kimmich’s costly red card sidelines star midfielder for key matches

Bayern Munich midfield dynamo Joshua Kimmich has been slapped with a two-match suspension by the German Football Association (DFB).
The ban comes in the aftermath of a dramatic 8-0 victory over Darmstadt 98, where Kimmich’s untimely fourth-minute red card triggered a sequence of events that now leaves him watching from the sidelines.

Kimmich’s absence will be keenly felt as he sits out Bayern’s crucial clash with Borussia Dortmund this Saturday, followed by the home encounter against the promoted Heidenheim next week. These fixtures are crucial tests for the Bavarian giants, and his presence will be sorely missed.

The Germany internationals ill-fated moment occurred when he struggled to corral a pass from his own goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, and subsequently tugged Marwin Mehlem at the edge of the penalty area. The referee promptly brandished a red card, reducing Bayern to ten men in the early stages of the game.

In the wake of the incident, Kimmich offered his perspective, stating, “Mehlem speculated well on my contact. At first, I pulled him a bit, but he kept running. When he then fell, there was no longer any contact, I was not responsible for his fall. But it definitely was my own fault because I lost the ball in the first place. It was a very stupid and bitter red card, and I’m annoyed that I’ll miss the Dortmund game” (via @iMiaSanMia).

The consequences of Kimmich’s suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time for Bayern Munich. Their upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund is a pivotal match in the Bundesliga. Bayern are currently positioned in second place with 23 points, just two behind the league leaders, Bayer Leverkusen. The absence of Kimmich will require the team to dig deep to secure a positive result against a formidable opponent.

Furthermore, the subsequent encounter with Heidenheim represents a chance for Bayern to assert their dominance over a newly promoted side. Yet, Kimmich’s absence presents an unforeseen challenge, potentially allowing the opposition to exploit Bayern’s vulnerability in the absence of their midfield maestro.

The ripple effect of Kimmich’s red card incident extended to the opposition as well. Darmstadt found themselves down to nine men following two dismissals, paving the way for Bayern’s resounding 8-0 victory. Kimmich’s red card catalysed a flurry of goals in the second half, as Bayern seized the opportunity to showcase their offensive prowess.