Andorra Goalkeeper Owono Handed 12-Match Ban Following Death of De Miguel

Andorra Goalkeeper Owono Handed 12-Match Ban Following Death of De Miguel

The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has suspended Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, for 12 matches following the challenge that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel last week.

Owono was sent off during a Spanish second-division match on November 2 after rushing out toward midfield and colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball.

Following the collision, De Miguel, 30, was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care. The Spanish forward died on November 3.

The disciplinary committee said in a statement:

“The assessment of the conduct subject to these proceedings must be based on the facts established in the referee’s report, which stated 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.”

The committee added:

“The tragic consequence of the incident, namely the death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, is now known to everyone. Given the nature of the conduct described and the circumstances surrounding it, the maximum sanction of a 12-match suspension is justified.”

Sources within the Spanish police told Agence France-Presse last week that an investigation had been opened under judicial supervision to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Owono said he was going through the “most difficult days of my life” following De Miguel’s death.

In a statement published by Andorra last week, Owono said:

“These are the most difficult days of my life. I find it hard to find the words, and it is extremely difficult for me to process everything that has happened. I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. I am thinking of him, his family and all the people who loved him.”

He continued:

“I know there are many things that must be dealt with, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But honestly, right now I cannot thinkabout anything other than Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

Andorra coach Carles Manso said on Thursday that the decision over whether Owono returns to football, and when he might do so following the tragedy, would ultimately be up to the goalkeeper himself.

Tenerife supporters and players gathered at the club’s stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to De Miguel and say their final farewell.

De Miguel’s funeral was held the previous Thursday and was attended by around 400 people, including Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.