Spanish police and prosecutors have launched an investigation into the fatal collision between FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono and CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel during a Spanish second-division match. The incident occurred on Monday, November 2, at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. De Miguel was chasing a long ball towards the Andorra goal when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for possession.
The goalkeeper's knee struck De Miguel in the chest, leaving him motionless on the pitch. Players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance, and medical personnel attended to De Miguel before he was taken to hospital by ambulance. De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital. His condition later deteriorated, and the club confirmed his death at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the age of 30.
Owono received a straight red card for the challenge, while the referee abandoned the match following the incident. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Owono could receive a suspension of between eight and 12 matches if the disciplinary authorities apply Article 102 of the Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Code. The provision covers violent conduct against an opponent that results in serious injury.
The case is now under judicial supervision, with prosecutors also opening preliminary proceedings to examine whether there could be any responsibility beyond the sporting aspect of the incident. The authorities are expected to obtain the police report and medical records relating to De Miguel's death as part of the investigation. Santa Cruz de Tenerife's chief prosecutor, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, believes it is very difficult for the case to result in criminal proceedings.
Sánchez-Jáuregui explained that injuries resulting from normal sporting actions are generally not treated as criminal offences under established Spanish legal principles, unless there is evidence of an intentional assault outside the normal course of play. He also said the authorities would need to consider the referee's report and the decision of the Spanish football disciplinary authorities, particularly whether the challenge amounted to dangerous play or was intended to cause harm.
Owono could face a four-year jail term as well. According to Spanish Newspaper El Pais, the penalty for manslaughter due to less serious negligence is a fine ranging from three to 18 months, while the punishment for the more serious offense ranges from one to four years in prison. However, the final punishment will depend on the disciplinary authorities' assessment of the incident.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the football world, with many clubs and players paying tribute to De Miguel. The Spanish football authorities are yet to make a final decision on Owono's punishment, but it is clear that the incident will have serious consequences for the FC Andorra goalkeeper.
Key points
- Owono faces possible 4-year jail term and 8-12 match suspension.
- Spanish police and prosecutors investigate fatal collision.
- De Miguel's death has sent shockwaves through the football world.
