Goalkeeper Gets 12-Match Ban After On-Field Collision Leads to Player Death in Spain

The goalkeeper whose challenge resulted in the death of a player in Spain has received a 12-match ban from the Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee. FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono was suspended on Friday following his challenge on Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.

The Incident

The second division clash took place on November 2. Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, raced into midfield and collided with De Miguel while trying to clear an aerial ball and was sent off during the match. The referee's report stated that Owono was dismissed for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg using excessive force while the ball was in play. After the collision, the 30-year-old De Miguel was placed in intensive care in the hospital and died the next day on November 3. Spanish police sources stated that an investigation into the incident had been opened under judicial supervision.

Reactions

Owono stated that he was enduring the hardest days of his life and struggled to find words to process what happened. He expressed immense pain over the loss of De Miguel, his family, and everyone who loved him, adding that he would face whatever issues arise with the utmost respect. FC Andorra coach Carles Manso stated that Owono would decide if and when he returns to football. Meanwhile, Tenerife fans and players gathered at their club stadium last Saturday for a memorial and farewell. Around 400 mourners attended De Miguel's funeral last Thursday, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Context

Football disciplinary bodies typically issue match bans based strictly on the referee's match report when a player is given a red card for dangerous play. Such on-field bans are standard sporting penalties handled separately from any ongoing police or judicial investigations into fatal incidents. Athletic clubs and governing bodies routinely offer support services or allow players personal time to cope with severe psychological distress following major on-field tragedies.