Owono receives 12-match ban after De Miguel death
- Jesus Owono receives a 12-match suspension from the Spanish football federation.
- The ban follows a collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel on November 2.
- De Miguel died on November 3 after suffering cardiac arrest following the incident.
- The disciplinary committee cited excessive force in the goalkeeper's challenge.
- The match result will stand at 2-2 out of respect for the circumstances.
The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee has handed a 12-match suspension to FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. The 25-year-old player received the maximum possible sanction after the committee reviewed the referee's report.
This disciplinary action follows the events of a second-division match earlier this month. The suspension was officially confirmed on Friday, 13 November.
Collision leads to death of Jesus de Miguel
The fatal incident occurred on 2 November during a Spanish second-division match. FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono collided with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel while racing into midfield to clear an aerial ball.
Following the collision, the 30-year-old forward suffered cardiac arrest. He was placed in intensive care and died the following day, on 3 November.
Disciplinary committee cites excessive force
The disciplinary committee stated that the "nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances" justified the maximum 12-match sanction. Following the challenge, the referee issued a red card to the 25-year-old goalkeeper.
The referee's report described the challenge as a "violent blow to the opponent’s chest that involved excessive force".
Match result remains 2-2
The match was tied 2-2 in stoppage time when it was suspended due to the incident. It was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time, and the Spanish Football Federation decided the result will stand rather than replaying the game.
The Spanish Football Federation decided to keep the match result at 2-2 out of respect for the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Owono expresses remorse as future remains uncertain
Owono, an international for Equatorial Guinea, is currently spending time with his family. FC Andorra has committed to providing the goalkeeper with the necessary time and space to determine his future.
The player issued a statement through his club to offer his condolences to the family of the deceased. In a statement released on 4 November, Owono expressed "enormous pain" and described the situation as the "most difficult days" of his life.
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso confirmed on Thursday that the player has not yet decided whether he will return to professional football.
Funeral held for Tenerife forward
A funeral for Jesus de Miguel took place on Thursday, November 5. Approximately 400 mourners attended the service, including Luis de la Fuente and Florentino Perez.
A memorial for the forward was also held at the Tenerife stadium on the preceding Saturday.
Judicial investigation opened into incident
Spanish police sources confirmed to Agence France-Presse last week that a formal judicial investigation into the collision has been initiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Owono gets 12-game ban for challenge on De Miguel - Jingletree (jingletree.com)
- Goalkeeper Owono suspended for 12 matches after De Miguel death - Sport - DAWN.COM (dawn.com)
- Andorra Goalkeeper Suspended For 12 Games For Collision That Leads to Player Death (bleacherreport.com)
- Andorra goalkeeper suspended 12 games for collision that resulted in death of opponent - Yahoo Sports (sports.yahoo.com)
- Andorra goalkeeper receives 12 match ban after De Miguel tragedy (tob.news)
- Goalkeeper banned 12 games for collision that led to Spanish player's death (espn.com)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google