FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been suspended for his involvement in the now-fatal game collision that led to opponent Jesús de Miguel’s death.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee announced on Friday, November 13, that Owono, 25, would be benched for 12 games.
“[Owono] was sent off for ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play,’” a statement read, per the BBC. “The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge.”
The committee found that Owono’s conduct and “the accompanying circumstances” of de Miguel’s death justified the significant suspension time.
Owono tackled de Miguel during a November 2 soccer game and was immediately issued a red card for the remainder of the match. De Miguel was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. He was 30.
“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true,” de Miguel’s team, CD Tenerife said in a statement at the time. “There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.”
The Tenerife team’s president also issued a statement after de Miguel’s death.
“We are all feeling vulnerable and deeply saddened right now. It’s hard to even believe what has happened,” Felipe Minambres told reporters after de Miguel died. “We know, especially the players and the players’ partners, that we will need support. We’ve already begun receiving offers of help today, and that support will continue. We will need professional assistance, but we also need the support of all our fans, because they are likely feeling the same way we are today.”
Owono’s team, for their part, shared their condolences to de Miguel’s family.
“We are deeply affected by what has happened and we share the pain that the club is experiencing,” a statement read. “From the very beginning we have maintained contact with them and we are at their disposal for anything they may need. What has happened has had a huge emotional impact on our players, the coaching staff and everyone at FC Andorra. These are particularly difficult times for everyone and we want to make sure that no one has to face them alone.”
