Andorra Goalkeeper Banned 12 Games Over Tenerife Striker’s Death
Spain's football federation has suspended Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono for 12 games over the November 2 collision that led to Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel's death. The abandoned match will not be replayed, and the 2-2 score stands.
The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee has handed Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono a 12-game ban for the collision that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. It is the maximum sanction available.
Owono, 25, was sent off after colliding with De Miguel late in the second-tier match between the two clubs on November 2. De Miguel, 30, died the following day.
What the committee said
The committee said it had to base its decision "on the facts expressly recorded in the referee's report". That report stated 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," the committee added. It said the nature of the conduct and the circumstances meant the maximum sanction, a 12-match suspension, was justified.
The collision
De Miguel was chasing a high ball in midfield when Owono, who had rushed far outside his area, struck him in the chest. The Tenerife forward suffered cardiac arrest after the clash.
The match was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time. The federation has decided it will not be replayed, which avoids having to restart play from the exact moment of the incident.
The teams were level at 2-2 and that result will stand. A federation committee called it the most respectful course of action given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances.
Police inquiry and Owono's response
Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation. Prosecutors have said criminal proceedings are unlikely.
Owono issued a statement through his club on November 4. He said he was going through "the most difficult days" of his life and felt "enormous pain" over De Miguel's death.
Future undecided
Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, has not decided whether he will play again. The goalkeeper is spending time with his family.
"He is deeply affected by the situation," Manso said. "We will give him the space to feel completely free to decide whether, and when, he might want to return."
