Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono suspended for 12 matches after Jesús de Miguel’s death
The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee handed Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono a 12-match suspension, the maximum penalty, for his challenge on Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died from his injuries after the pair collided in a Spanish second-division match.
The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee suspended Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono for 12 matches, the maximum penalty, following his challenge on Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died from his injuries after they collided in a Spanish second-division match.
The incident took place on 2 November, when Owono charged out to clear an aerial ball and collided with de Miguel, aged 30. Owono was sent off with a red card. The player was taken to intensive care, and his death was announced the following day. The committee relied on the referee’s report, which described the offence as a forceful blow to an opponent’s chest with the leg and excessive force, and said the death and the circumstances surrounding it warranted the punishment.
Spanish police opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision. In a statement published by Andorra, Owono expressed his sorrow over de Miguel’s death and said he would face the forthcoming proceedings with respect, while Andorra coach Carles Manso left the decision on the goalkeeper’s return to play to him once he had overcome the shock.
Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club’s stadium to remember de Miguel on Saturday. His funeral had been held on Thursday, attended by around 400 people, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.