The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has imposed a 12-match suspension on FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono following a fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The incident occurred during a second-division league match on November 2, when Owono raced into the midfield to clear an aerial ball and collided with the 30-year-old striker.
Following the on-field collision, De Miguel was rushed to a hospital and admitted to intensive care. He passed away on November 3. In a statement, the disciplinary committee justified the maximum sanction by citing the referee’s report, which described the goalkeeper as having “violently struck an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.”
The committee noted that the gravity of the incident and the subsequent death of De Miguel made the 12-match suspension necessary under the disciplinary code. While the ban has been formalised, Owono’s future in the sport remains uncertain. The 25-year-old has not yet determined if or when he will return to professional action, with his club manager, Carles Manso, stating that FC Andorra would provide the player with the necessary time and space to process the event.
Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, previously withdrew from his national squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe. In a statement released through his club, the goalkeeper described the period following the incident as “the hardest days of my life,” expressing profound pain regarding the loss of De Miguel.
Key facts
- Jesus Owono was suspended for 12 matches following a collision during a November 2 match.
- Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, 30, died in hospital on November 3 after the on-field incident.
- The disciplinary committee applied the maximum sanction allowed under Article 102 of the Spanish football disciplinary code.
- Approximately 400 mourners attended De Miguel’s funeral last Thursday, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
- Owono is 25 years old and has earned 47 international caps for Equatorial Guinea.
Why it matters
Spanish police sources confirmed last week that a judicial investigation into the incident is currently underway. FC Andorra has committed to supporting the goalkeeper while he remains with family and friends to manage the aftermath of the tragedy.
Background
The referee’s report specifically noted that Owono struck his opponent with his leg raised and excessive force while attempting to clear the ball.
Source: Al Jazeera, Times of India
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