In a tragic turn of events, the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has handed FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono a 12‑match suspension following a collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The incident occurred during a Segunda División match on November 2, when Owono, attempting to clear an aerial ball, collided violently with de Miguel in midfield. The referee issued a red card to Owono for “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.”
De Miguel, 30, was rushed to intensive care after the collision and succumbed to his injuries the following day. The federation’s statement emphasized that the sanction was based on the referee’s report and the “nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances.” It concluded that the maximum penalty—12 matches—was justified.
Police investigations into the incident were opened under judicial supervision, according to Spanish sources. Owono, 25, has expressed profound grief, describing the period as “the hardest days of my life” and stating that he is struggling to process the tragedy. He has withdrawn from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
FC Andorra’s coach Carles Manso confirmed that the decision on Owono’s return to football would rest with the goalkeeper, and the club will provide him with the necessary time and space. The Tenerife community honored de Miguel with a memorial at the club’s stadium and a funeral attended by around 400 mourners, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez.
Source: Al Jazeera
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