Andorra goalkeeper suspended for 12 games after fatal collision with Tenerife striker
The Spanish soccer federation imposed the suspension on Jesus Owono after a collision that led to the death of 30-year-old Jesus de Miguel.
By Olga Menon ·
Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been suspended for 12 games following an on-field collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. The Spanish soccer federation's disciplinary committee announced the punishment on Friday, Nov. 13, 10 days after De Miguel died.
Owono received a red card for the reckless collision during the Nov. 2 match in Tenerife. In issuing its decision, the disciplinary committee found that the goalkeeper had used excessive force when he struck De Miguel. The striker suffered cardiac arrest after the collision and died the following day.
The incident occurred near the end of the match as De Miguel pursued a high ball in midfield. Owono had come a long way out of his goalkeeping area and struck the 30-year-old forward in the chest. De Miguel's death on Nov. 3 followed the clash between the two players a day earlier.
Following the striker's death, Owono released a statement through his club expressing remorse over what had happened. He also offered condolences to De Miguel's family. His coach has since spoken about the effect the incident has had on the goalkeeper and the question of whether he will feel able to resume playing.
Spanish police opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Under Spanish law, a death from a non-natural cause is subject to judicial investigation, including when it results from an accident. Prosecutors have nevertheless said that criminal proceedings in this case are unlikely.
The police investigation concerns the fatal incident, while Friday's suspension was issued by the soccer federation's disciplinary committee following Owono's dismissal in the match. The committee's finding focused on the force used in the collision that preceded De Miguel's cardiac arrest.
On Thursday, Andorra coach Carles Manso said the decision about when Owono feels ready to play again would be left to the goalkeeper himself. Manso described him as deeply affected by the situation and said the club would allow him space to consider his return.
Manso made clear that this would include Owono deciding whether he wants to return at all. “We will give him the space to feel completely free to decide whether, and when, he might want to return,” the coach said.
