FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has spoken out for the first time since the fatal collision that claimed the life of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. In a statement released on Wednesday, Owono described the past few days as the most difficult of his life. He expressed his pain over De Miguel's loss and offered condolences to his family and loved ones. Owono's statement was published on Andorra's official social media account.
The fatal collision occurred during a match between Tenerife and Andorra on November 2. De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday, November 3, a day after the incident. Spanish police have launched an investigation into his death, but Owono has not been arrested or charged. The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many paying tribute to De Miguel's memory.
Owono, 25, is an Equatorial Guinea international who made his name in Africa at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He saved two penalties in the shoot-out win over Mali, helping his team progress. In his statement, Owono said he was finding it hard to come to terms with what had happened. He dedicated his message to De Miguel, his family, and everyone who loved him.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has not yet published a disciplinary ruling on Owono's red card. The referee's report stated that Owono was sent off for raising his leg and striking an opponent with excessive force. If the RFEF's disciplinary committee treats the challenge as violent conduct, Owono could face a ban of four to 12 matches.
The match between Tenerife and Andorra has been declared over at 2-2. Rafael Alonso Martínez, the RFEF's competition judge, ruled that resuming the game would have meant restarting it from the moment of the tragedy. He prioritized humanity, sensitivity, and respect for De Miguel's memory, his family, and his teammates.
A public tribute to De Miguel will be held at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium on Saturday, November 7. The event will start at 4 pm local time, with gates opening at 6 pm. Entry is free until the stadium is full. Andorra's matchday 13 league game against Mallorca has been postponed.
The investigation into De Miguel's death is ongoing, with Santa Cruz de Tenerife's chief prosecutor stating that a criminal case is unlikely. The collision occurred in the normal course of play, and no outcome has been announced yet. Owono's statement and the tributes to De Miguel have highlighted the impact of the incident on the football community.
Key points
- Jesús Owono has spoken out for the first time since Jesús de Miguel's fatal collision, describing the past few days as the most difficult of his life.
- The Spanish Football Federation has not yet published a disciplinary ruling on Owono's red card.
- A public tribute to De Miguel will be held at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium on Saturday, November 7.
