Headline: Andorra Goalkeeper Jesús Owono Receives 12-Match Suspension Following Fatal Collision
The Spanish soccer federation has handed a 12-match suspension to Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono after he received a red card for a collision on the field that led to the death of Jesús de Miguel, a striker for Tenerife.
Owono was penalized during the match on November 2, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Following a dangerous play that involved “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play,” de Miguel suffered cardiac arrest. Eyewitness reports confirmed that after the collision, de Miguel initially lay on the ground and later became motionless. An opposing player immediately called for medical assistance as Owono walked off the pitch, but he turned back upon realizing the seriousness of the situation.
According to the committee’s statement, “The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús 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.”
Initially stabilized following the incident, de Miguel’s condition deteriorated later that day, and the 30-year-old player died the following morning.
In response to the tragedy, Spanish police have commenced an investigation into potential involuntary manslaughter, as non-natural causes of death are subject to scrutiny under Spanish law. Despite the ongoing investigation, reports suggest that criminal proceedings are considered unlikely.
Reflecting on the incident, Owono expressed his distress, stating it was “the hardest days of my life” and he struggled to process the event. He remarked, “Right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesús and the pain we are all experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
Owono has not participated in a match since that day. Andorra’s manager, Carles Manso, noted that the team will allow Owono the time he needs to decide when he feels ready to return to play, emphasizing the emotional toll of the situation on the goalkeeper.
