Goalkeeper Jesus Owono received a 12-match ban from the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following a fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a LaLiga Hypermotion game on November 2.
Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez said in his report that Owono received a red card for making a violent impact with his leg raised high on an opponent with excessive force while the ball was in play according to the Daily Mirror. The striker tragically passed away at age 30 after the opposing shot-stopper struck him in the chest while clearing a loose ball.
The Disciplinary Committee applied Article 102 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, which addresses violent actions causing serious injury or harm to an opponent during play. Owono received the maximum punishment because the regulation carries a suspension ranging from four to 12 games.
FC Andorra owner Gerard Pique criticized the federation before the announcement for delaying the sanction while the club prepared to travel for a match against Almeria. Owono would have served a three-game suspension for violent play regardless of the outcome.
These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened.
Jesus Owono
Jesus Owono said he felt enormous pain at the loss of Jesus de Miguel, and thought of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated he died from accidental chest trauma, prompting a routine police investigation under Spanish law for non-natural deaths. De Miguel was laid to rest in Navahermosa, Toledo, and is survived by his partner Maria and their daughter Carla.
FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso said that the club will provide support and space for Owono to decide his future in football. Tenerife held a memorial at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium. CEO Antonio Manuel Porro Granados announced that the club will support De Miguel’s one-year-old daughter until she turns 18.
We want to be there for her at least until she reaches adulthood.
Antonio Manuel Porro Granados
