Goalkeeper Owono banned for 12 matches after Tenerife forward's death
The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee on Friday suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono for 12 matches after a collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. It is the maximum sanction available for the offence.
The disciplinary committee of the Spanish football federation on Friday suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono for 12 matches. The ban follows a collision on November 2 in a Spanish second-division match that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The committee said 12 matches is the maximum sanction and that it was justified.
What happened on the pitch
During the game between FC Andorra and Tenerife, Owono, 25, raced into midfield to clear a ball in the air and collided with De Miguel. The goalkeeper was sent off. De Miguel, 30, was taken to hospital intensive care and died on November 3.
Explaining its decision, the committee said its assessment had to rest on the facts recorded in the referee's report. According to that report, 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 that the tragic outcome of the incident is public knowledge.
Investigation and reaction
Spanish police sources told the AFP news agency last week that an investigation had been opened under judicial supervision.
Owono, who plays for Equatorial Guinea's national team, said in a statement published by his club that he is going through the hardest days of his life. He said he feels immense pain and thinks of De Miguel, his family and everyone who loved him, and that he will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. He withdrew from Equatorial Guinea's squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said on Thursday that it would be up to Owono to decide whether and when he returns to football, and that the club would give him time and space.
On Saturday, Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club's stadium for a memorial and farewell. The funeral took place last Thursday and about 400 mourners attended, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
