Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has found himself in the headlines once again, this time due to a controversial incident during last year’s Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany.
The 55-year-old former Germany No. 1 goalkeeper was arrested for alleged drink driving after being stopped by police at around 1:30 a.m. while in lederhosen, a traditional Bavarian outfit.
A Difficult Situation for the Former Star
Reports at the time described Lehmann as being visibly intoxicated.
When police pulled him over, they noted the strong smell of alcohol coming from his vehicle, and his difficulty in standing without support.
According to a Bild report, Lehmann was driving an Audi S3 when he was stopped.
The officers noted his staggering gait, and even though he initially struggled to locate his driver’s license, he eventually produced it after several attempts.
The situation continued to unfold when Lehmann was asked to show a warning triangle and a first-aid kit from his car.
Struggling to open his car’s boot, he reportedly had to hold onto the vehicle to stay upright.
Further details revealed that Lehmann vomited twice during the encounter, once after stumbling to the roadside.
The Aftermath of the Arrest
Lehmann was subsequently taken to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for a blood test, which followed a failed breathalyzer test.
His driver’s license was confiscated, and a £60,000 fine was requested by the Munich public prosecutor’s office.
Lehmann has appealed the fine, with a trial set for April 3, 2025.
This arrest is just the latest in a series of controversies that have surrounded the former Arsenal goalkeeper.
In addition to this incident, Lehmann was fined £112,500 for property damage and attempted fraud in 2022, after using a chainsaw to damage his neighbor’s property.
Although criminal charges were dropped, the case attracted significant attention, and Lehmann had to settle out of court with his neighbor.
Personal Struggles and Relationship Troubles
Lehmann’s personal life has also been under scrutiny in recent months. It was reported that the former goalkeeper’s struggles had led to the end of his marriage to Conny, his wife of over two decades.
Conny, who runs a yoga school, has since been living separately from Lehmann, although they are reportedly still in contact for the sake of their children.
In the wake of their separation, Conny has been seen with a new partner, while Lehmann was seen spending time with several young women at Oktoberfest.
Reports suggest that Conny was also at the festival with friends, but the couple’s relationship seems to have reached an impasse.
A History of Controversy
Lehmann’s appearance at Oktoberfest is not the first time he has made headlines for his behavior at the festival.
Back in 2009, he was dropped from his Stuttgart team after attending Oktoberfest without permission.
This latest incident is just another chapter in the troubled life of the former Invincibles goalkeeper.
Lehmann is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he made 200 appearances and was part of the legendary 2003-04 Invincibles team that went unbeaten in the Premier League.
After retiring from professional football in 2011, Lehmann has remained involved in the sport, working in coaching, punditry, and acting. However, his recent personal and legal troubles have overshadowed his illustrious career.