Alemannia Aachen’s coach, Heiner Backhaus, denies any knowledge of a violent video involving player Kevin P., who faces serious charges including attempted manslaughter. Backhaus claims he hasn’t seen the footage or downloaded videos sent by P. The trial reveals P.’s troubling lifestyle, including substance abuse, while Backhaus insists he was unaware of P.’s past as a hooligan and right-wing extremist. The situation raises concerns about the club’s associations with extremist fans amidst ongoing legal scrutiny.
Alemannia Aachen’s Coach Denies Knowledge of Violent Content
Alemannia Aachen’s head coach, Heiner Backhaus, has firmly stated that he has neither watched nor positively commented on a disturbing video depicting violence. However, his recent testimony in the Aachen jury court has raised serious questions regarding the football club’s approach to the hooligan currently facing charges of attempted manslaughter.
Backhaus Claims Ignorance of Videos
Backhaus insists that he has not downloaded the videos sent by the accused, Kevin P., on Christmas Day. He maintains that he has never seen the footage, which reportedly shows P. assaulting a man in Aachen’s red-light district. According to Backhaus, had he viewed the video, he would have immediately reported it and severed ties with P.
During the trial, the prosecution proposed that the video be shown in court, which temporarily relieved Backhaus. The blurry nature of the preview images makes his claims appear credible. However, chief prosecutor Jutta Breuer intends to conduct a technical examination of the footage.
As the trial unfolds, Kevin P. faces serious allegations, which include distributing violence videos and charges of attempted manslaughter alongside other incidents of bodily harm. The scrutiny on Backhaus and Alemannia’s supervisory board chairman, who are both summoned as witnesses, reflects the gravity of the situation.
Kevin P., now 38, has admitted that he deserves punishment and anticipates a lengthy prison sentence. On the third day of the trial, both his fiancée and the Alemannia coach provided testimony regarding his troubling lifestyle choices.
The fiancée revealed that Kevin P.’s excessive use of cocaine and alcohol has been consistent since their relationship began in early 2023, and it persisted until his pre-trial detention in July 2024. In contrast, Backhaus stated he was unaware of P.’s addiction or his previous criminal activities, including his self-identification as a hooligan and his past as an open right-wing extremist.
Backhaus, who took on the coaching role at Alemannia in September 2023, commented on P.’s character, describing him as a ‘large and broad, but very soft person.’ He first met P. during a charitable event aimed at supporting the homeless, where he claims he received no prior information about P.’s background.
When questioned by the presiding judge about his lack of awareness regarding hooligan groups and connections to right-wing extremism within the club, Backhaus responded that he had no knowledge of such organized factions or P.’s involvement with them.
In court, messages from Backhaus to P. were revealed, including informal greetings and expressions of friendship. P. is known within the club and fan community as ‘Chemo’ and had expressed appreciation for Backhaus’s coaching following a video featuring the coach’s daughter.
As Alemannia Aachen rejoices in their return to professional football, concerns linger regarding associations with right-wing extremist fans, some of whom maintain links to the club’s leadership. The investigation into the distribution of violent videos involving P. has also implicated Marcel Moberz, the supervisory board chairman, who is currently under investigation and has temporarily stepped down from his position.
Legal representation for Kevin P. is in the hands of Osama Momen. As Backhaus lamented his experiences with the club during the trial, Momen had already exited the hearing. The trial is set to continue on Thursday.