Following the death of opponent de Miguel: Goalkeeper Owono banned for twelve matches

Following Jesus Owono’s violent challenge and the death of his opponent Jesus de Miguel, the Spanish Football Federation has imposed the maximum possible ban on the FC Andorra goalkeeper.

Jesus Owono, the goalkeeper for Spanish second-tier side FC Andorra, has been suspended for twelve matches following his fatal foul on Jesus de Miguel. This was decided by the disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Association. “Twelve matches is the maximum suspension provided for in the disciplinary code for the incidents described in the referee’s report”, the decision states.

During Andorra’s 2–2 league draw with CD Tenerife earlier this month, striker de Miguel died in hospital the following day at the age of just 30, following Owono’s reckless tackle near the halfway line and a cardiac arrest. The goalkeeper was shown a red card for his challenge.

In addition, the Spanish police’s homicide squad launched an investigation into the goalkeeper, reportedly on suspicion of possible manslaughter by negligence, according to the AP news agency. However, according to Spanish media, Tenerife’s Chief Public Prosecutor, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, believes that criminal proceedings arising from the incident are highly unlikely.

Manager denies speculation about resignation

Referee Manuel Angel Pérez Hernandez noted in his report that Owono had used excessive force during the incident. De Miguel was treated on the pitch and left the field on a stretcher.

Following de Miguel’s death, Owono expressed deep distress. In a statement issued by his club, he described them as “the hardest days of my life”. Having been subjected to massive hostility following his tackle, he deactivated all his social media accounts. The goalkeeper has not yet returned to team training.

According to Marca, Owono is currently under the care of the club’s psychologists and doctors. The club intends to give him the necessary “space” to decide whether to continue his career.

However, according to Spanish media reports, Andorra’s manager Carles Manso has denied that his player is considering retiring. Andorra face UD Almería on Saturday in their first match since Owono’s fateful foul.