Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation following his collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, who died after the incident during a Spanish second-division match.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee announced the maximum punishment on Friday, November 13, after reviewing the incident involving the FC Andorra goalkeeper during their league encounter with Tenerife on November 2.
Owono, 25, was sent off after rushing out of his goal to challenge for an aerial ball and striking De Miguel in the chest with his raised leg.
According to the referee's report, the goalkeeper struck his opponent with excessive force while the ball was in play.
De Miguel, 30, received emergency medical attention on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. He died the following morning, November 3.
In its ruling, the disciplinary committee classified Owono's challenge as a serious infringement under Article 102 of the federation's disciplinary code and imposed the maximum 12-match suspension.
The committee said the referee's description of the challenge, particularly the raised leg and excessive force, alongside the tragic outcome, justified the maximum punishment.
The federation also confirmed that the match, which was abandoned in the 108th minute following the incident, would retain its original 2-2 scoreline. It said resuming the game from the moment of the incident would not be appropriate given the circumstances.
Owono has been deeply affected by De Miguel's death and previously described the period as the most difficult days of his life.
In a statement released by FC Andorra, the goalkeeper expressed his pain over the loss and extended his thoughts to De Miguel's family and loved ones.
The incident also led to Owono withdrawing from Equatorial Guinea's squad for their November Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe.
FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso has said the goalkeeper will decide whether and when he wants to return to football, adding that the club will give him the necessary time and support.
Spanish police have also opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident under judicial supervision. The football suspension is a disciplinary decision and does not amount to a criminal conviction.
De Miguel's death has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, with tributes coming from clubs, players and other members of the football community.
Comments
Add a comment