Spanish Federation slams goalkeeper Owono with 12-match ban after Tenerife Striker’s death

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has received a 12-match suspension from the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee following a collision that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.

The disciplinary committee announced the punishment on Friday after the incident, which occurred during a Spanish second-division match on November 2.

Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, was sent off after rushing towards midfield in an attempt to clear an aerial ball but collided with De Miguel in the process.

The Tenerife forward, 30, was taken to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit following the collision. However, he died on November 3, a day after the incident.

“The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which states that the player was sent off for ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play’,” said the committee in a statement.

“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge.

“In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances… the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”

Spanish police sources last week told AFP an investigation into what happened had been opened under judicial supervision.

Owono said he was enduring the “hardest days of my life” after De Miguel’s death.

“These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” said Owono in a statement published by his club Andorra last week.

“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him.

“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said Thursday it would be Owono who decides if and when he returns to football after the tragic incident.

On Saturday Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club’s stadium for a memorial and farewell to De Miguel.

His funeral took place last Thursday and around 400 mourners attended, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

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