Jesús Owono handed 12-match ban after tackle that led to Jesús de Miguel’s death

On Friday the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono for 12 matches after his challenge on Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel in a Segunda División match on 2 November resulted in de Miguel being hospitalised and later dying on 3 November.

Owono was sent off in the match after racing into midfield and colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball; the striker was placed in intensive care after the collision and died the following day. Owono is an Equatorial Guinea international.

“The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which states that 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,’” said the committee in a statement. “The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús de Miguel, is public knowledge. In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”

Spanish police sources said last week that an investigation into what happened had been opened under judicial supervision.

Owono issued a club-published statement addressing the aftermath: “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,” he wrote. “I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso said on Thursday it would be Owono who decides if and when he returns to football after the tragic incident. Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club’s stadium for a memorial and farewell last Saturday, and De Miguel’s funeral took place last Thursday with around 400 mourners in attendance, including Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

Spanish police sources’ confirmation that a judicially supervised inquiry has been opened remains the next formal development following the disciplinary committee’s decision.