Goalkeeper Owono handed 12-match ban after De Miguel death
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono was suspended for 12 matches by the Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee following a collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
The disciplinary committee justified the maximum sanction based on the referee's report, which stated that 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 committee acknowledged that 'the tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge.'
Investigation and Personal Response
Spanish police sources confirmed an investigation into the incident had been opened under judicial supervision. Meanwhile, Owono expressed his devastation in a statement published by his club, saying: 'These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened.'
Club and Fan Response
FC Andorra coach Carles Manso stated that the club would give Owono time and space to decide if and when he returns to football. The 25-year-old goalkeeper withdrew from Equatorial Guinea's squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following the tragic incident.
On Saturday, Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club's stadium for a memorial and farewell to De Miguel. His funeral took place last Thursday with about 400 mourners attending, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.
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