The referee played a key role in a thrilling Bundesliga match as three red cards were shown in Schalke 04's 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

It was clear that the fans would be treated to an open match early on as Alexander Meier headed wide of the target from close range with the first chance of the game.

Meier would soon have the opportunity to make up for that miss in the 18th minute as he tapped home the opening goal after Ralf Fahrmann had saved a low strike from Marco Russ.

It was 2-0 just six minutes later when Russ continued his good work by taking the ball past three defenders before curling home from the edge of the box.

Schalke responded well following a disastrous start, and were gifted a chance to reduce the deficit before the break after an extended spell of pressure.

Slobodan Medojevic was unable to get away with a handball inside the box, allowing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to slot home from 12 yards.

A remarkable match was level once again in the early stages of the second half as Choupo-Moting turned provider to pick out Julian Draxler, who headed home the equaliser.

Despite their impressive comeback, Schalke would soon hand the momentum back to their opponents as Kevin-Prince Boateng was sent off for a second bookable offence.

More misery would follow for the hosts in the 71st minute as Draxler was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Carlos Zambrano.

Frankfurt piled on the pressure late on, but their challenge faded after losing a player of their own, Medojevic, to a second yellow card.

Despite all of the late drama, there would be no winner as both managers settle for a point.