Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish football federation following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel after an on-field collision during a second-division match.
Owono, who plays for FC Andorra, was sent off during the November 2 encounter after colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball.
The Tenerife striker, 30, was rushed to hospital and admitted to intensive care but died on November 3.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee announced the suspension on Friday, citing the goalkeeper’s conduct during the incident.
In its statement, the committee said the referee’s report recorded that Owono had been dismissed for “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play”.
“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge,” the committee added.
“In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”
Spanish police sources had earlier told AFP that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death had been opened under judicial supervision.
Owono, 25, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the period following the forward’s death as the most difficult of his life.
“These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” he said in a statement released by FC Andorra.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him.
“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The goalkeeper subsequently withdrew from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe this month.
FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said on Thursday that the decision on Owono’s return to football would be left to the player, adding that the club would give him the necessary time and space to recover from the traumatic incident.
Meanwhile, Tenerife players and supporters gathered at the club’s stadium on November 8 for a memorial service in honour of De Miguel.
His funeral, held the previous Thursday, was attended by about 400 mourners, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
