Jesus Owono banned for 12 matches over fatal collision with De Miguel

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been suspended for 12 matches by the Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee following an on-field collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.

The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international was shown a red card during the closing stages of the Spanish second division fixture between the two clubs on November 2. Owono raced into midfield to clear an aerial ball and challenged De Miguel, with the referee's official report stating the goalkeeper was dismissed for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg using excessive force while the ball was in play.

Why was the maximum punishment applied under federation rules?

The disciplinary committee imposed the sanction under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary code, which deals with violent conduct against an opponent during play resulting in serious injury. The suspension also carries the associated fines prescribed under Article 52.

The committee noted that the referee's own description highlighted the particular seriousness of the action due to the raised leg and forcefulness of the impact. The governing body stated that the tragic outcome, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Jesus de Miguel Alameda, made the maximum 12-match suspension fully justified. Spanish police sources told the AFP news agency last week that an investigation into what happened had been opened under judicial supervision.

What has happened to the abandoned match and league fixtures?

In a separate ruling, the federation confirmed that the abandoned fixture would not be resumed. The match had been halted seven minutes into stoppage time following the incident, with both sides level at 2-2.

The governing body said allowing the existing scoreline to stand was the most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case. It added that the decision would avoid requiring the teams to return to the pitch and resume play from the moment the incident occurred. FC Andorra are scheduled to travel to Almeria on Saturday for their first fixture since the tragedy.

How is FC Andorra supporting the goalkeeper through the aftermath?

Owono withdrew from Equatorial Guinea's squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe this month. The goalkeeper, who has 47 international caps, had described the ordeal as the most difficult days of my life in a statement released through his club.

In a statement released by FC Andorra on November 4, the goalkeeper described the period since the incident as the most difficult days of his life and expressed enormous pain over De Miguel's death. FC Andorra manager Carles Manso stated that the goalkeeper is currently spending time with his family, friends and partner as he deals with the aftermath of the incident.

Manso emphasized that the club has placed no timeline on Owono's return, with Manso making clear that the decision would rest entirely with the goalkeeper. What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him, Manso said at a press conference on Thursday. We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.

How have the football community and De Miguel's family responded?

Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club's stadium for a memorial and farewell to De Miguel. His funeral took place last Thursday and about 400 mourners attended, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.

A crowdfunding campaign organized by third tier club Hercules forward Fran Sol for the family had raised €213,160. Meanwhile, De Miguel's family issued a statement on Thursday through the Spanish Players Association, thanking those who had extended their support following the Tenerife forward's death.

The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also said he was experiencing profound sorrow and grief following De Miguel's death.