Bayern Star Urges Uefa to Reconsider Rules After Szczesny Dismissal

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has leapt to the defence of his Arsenal counterpart Wojciech Szczesny after his controversial red card mid-week.

The Gunners' shot stopper was shown a straight red for fouling Arjen Robben after denying a clear goal scoring opportunity in the box and although David Alaba missed the subsequent penalty, Bayern would go onto win 2-0.

A similar example of the "triple punishment" of a red card, penalty and suspension unfolded on Tuesday night when Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis was sent off for fouling Lionel Messi, a decision that proved to be the catalyst for a 2-0 win for Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium.

Germany international Neuer had sympathy for his opposite number Szczesny who will miss the return leg in Munich in two weeks, believing the decision to show a red card was a step too far.

"One should reconsider the rule," Neuer was quoted as saying by ESPN. "From a keeper's point of view you have to be critical of the red card. The team is already punished by the penalty call."

In addition to receiving a two game ban from UEFA, Szczesny has found himself in trouble with his club for making an offensive hand gesture following his dismissal at the Emirates on Wednesday.

The Poland international was caught on camera making the gesture as he headed down the tunnel and his manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the shot stopper will be reprimanded.

"We will deal with that internally. We don't agree with that," Wenger told a press conference on Friday.

"Yes, (the gesture) was frustration, but we are professionals, me included, and we have always to master reactions. Wojciech is part of that as well."

After a bright start where Arsenal missed a penalty of their own, Bayern would dominate the first leg of the Champions League last 16 clash after the home side were reduced to 10 men, as Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller scored to give the Bavarians a healthy advantage.