Former Germany goalkeeper fined for damaging garage with chainsaw

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Germany and Arsenal favorite Jens Lehmann was accused of sawing off a roof beam in his neighbor's garage. /Martin Meissner/AP

Former Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been fined $150,700 by a court in his hometown of Starnberg after being found guilty of damaging his neighbor's garage with a chainsaw. The incident, which took place in July 2022, involved Lehmann sawing off a roof beam in his neighbor's garage, leading to an initial fine of $467,000. The penalty was later reduced on appeal.

"Mr. Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbor," Lehmann's lawyer, Florian Ufer, said following Friday's court ruling.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Lehmann's alleged defiance of the legal system. Judge Tanja Walter noted that Lehmann had "consistently portrayed himself as a victim of the justice system," but emphasized that "he is not a victim, he is a perpetrator." Public prosecutor Stefan Kreutzer echoed this sentiment, adding that Lehmann's behavior indicated "he obviously believes he is above the law."

Jens Lehmann during a Germany training session in 2004. /Uwe Lein/AP

In addition to the chainsaw incident, Lehmann was also accused of avoiding payment of parking fees at Munich Airport, a matter that has since been resolved. "He has now paid them," Ufer added.

The 54-year-old made 200 appearances for Arsenal in his five years at the club and was part of the famed "Invincibles" side that went unbeaten in the 2003-04 season.