Goalkeeper Owono suspended for 12 matches after De Miguel’s death | Soccer

Owono and De Miguel collided during a Spanish second division match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2.

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono was suspended for 12 matches by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee on Friday after his foul on Jesus de Miguel led to the death of the Tenerife striker last week.

Owono was sent off during the second division clash on November 2 after running through midfield and colliding with De Miguel as he tried to clear an aerial ball.

After the collision, De Miguel, 30, was placed in intensive care in hospital and the Spanish striker died on November 3.

“The assessment of the behavior in question in this procedure must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which specifies that the player was sent off for having ‘violently struck an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play'”, the commission indicated in a press release.

“The tragic outcome of the incident, which resulted in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge.

“Given the nature of the behavior described and the accompanying circumstances… the maximum sanction, 12 match suspension, is justified.”

Spanish police sources told the AFP news agency last week that an investigation into these events had been opened under judicial supervision.

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper ‌Owono said he was going through “the hardest days of my life” after De Miguel’s death.

“These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words and it is very difficult for me to understand everything that has happened,” Owono said in a statement released by his Andorra club last week.

“I feel immense pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family and all the people who loved him.

“I know there will be many issues to resolve and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, I honestly can’t think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Owono, 25, withdrew from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe this month following the death of De Miguel.

FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said on Thursday that it would be Owono who would decide if and when he returns to football after the tragic incident, adding that the club would “give the goalkeeper time and space to make that decision.”

On Saturday, Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club’s stadium for a tribute and farewell to De Miguel.

His funeral took place last Thursday and around 400 people were in attendance, including Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.