Goalkeeper Jesus Owono Suspended for 12 Matches Following Tragic Incident
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has received a 12-match suspension from the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee after a challenge that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
Owono, 25, was sent off during the final moments of the second-tier match between the two teams on November 2 after colliding with De Miguel.
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De Miguel died the following day, at the age of 30.
The disciplinary committee stated that its decision was based on “the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report”, which detailed that Owono “was sent off for ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play’.”
“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge,” noted the committee. They further explained that “the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances” warranted the “maximum sanction, a 12-match suspension”.
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Additionally, the federation announced that the match between the two teams, which was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time due to the incident, will not be replayed. The federation commented that this decision avoids the need to resume play from the moment of the tragic event.
At the time of the incident, the teams were tied 2-2, a result that will now stand, with the federation committee deeming this to be the “most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case”.
Owono’s club issued a statement on November 4, expressing that he is experiencing “the most difficult days” of his life and feels “enormous pain” regarding De Miguel’s death.
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On Thursday, FC Andorra manager Carles Manso stated that Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, is yet to decide whether he will return to football following the incident.
Manso remarked that Owono is currently spending time with his family and is “completely free to make any decision” regarding a potential return. He added: “What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him.
“We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.
“When he feels it is appropriate and when he feels genuinely ready to make a decision like that, he will do so.”
