FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono is facing a possible suspension of 8 to 12 matches after a tragic collision with CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel resulted in the striker's death. The incident occurred during a Spanish Segunda División match between Tenerife and Andorra on Monday. Owono, a 25-year-old Equatorial Guinean goalkeeper, received a straight red card for the collision, which Spanish reports describe as an impact with excessive force.
The Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee is considering Article 102 of its Disciplinary Code, which provides for a suspension of between 4 and 12 matches when violent conduct during a game results in serious injury. However, the punishment is unlikely to fall below 8 matches, representing the midpoint of the 4 to 12 match range. The exact punishment will depend on the disciplinary committee's assessment of the incident.
Two provisions of the RFEF Disciplinary Code could be considered when determining the punishment. Article 130 covers violent conduct during a match that creates a risk but does not result in injury, providing for a suspension of 1 to 3 matches or up to one month. Article 102, however, covers more serious cases where violent conduct against an opponent results in serious injury or harm, allowing for a suspension of between 4 and 12 matches.
The incident occurred during stoppage time of Monday's match, with both teams level at 2-2. De Miguel was chasing a long ball when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to clear it. The goalkeeper's raised knee struck the striker in the chest, leading to De Miguel being motionless on the pitch. Medical personnel attended to De Miguel before he was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering a cardiac arrest.
De Miguel was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital, with Tenerife initially describing his condition as stable despite its seriousness. However, his medical condition later deteriorated, and the club confirmed on Tuesday, November 3, that De Miguel had died at 8:00 a.m. at the age of 30. The match was later abandoned during stoppage time, with the score remaining 2-2.
Beyond the possible football suspension, questions have emerged about whether the incident could have legal consequences. However, none have been confirmed at the moment. Owono has closed his Instagram account following the incident and the abuse directed at him on social media. The goalkeeper has maintained that there was no intention to cause harm and is understood to be deeply affected by the incident.
Reports indicate that Owono wants to apologize privately to De Miguel's family before making a public statement. The Andorra team was also deeply affected by the tragedy, with the club maintaining that Owono had no intention of hurting the Tenerife striker during the challenge. The RFEF is yet to announce the final decision on the goalkeeper.
Key points
- Jesús Owono faces a possible 8-12 match ban for the fatal collision with CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
- The Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee is considering Article 102 of its Disciplinary Code.
- Owono has closed his Instagram account following the incident and the abuse directed at him on social media.
