SNOW TV NEWS DESK
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish football federation following a tragic on-field collision that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
The Equatorial Guinea international was sent off during a Spanish second-division encounter on November 2 after rushing out of his goal and colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball. The Tenerife forward, aged 30, was taken to hospital and placed in intensive care but died the following day.
In its ruling on Friday, the federation’s disciplinary committee imposed the maximum suspension, citing the nature of Owono’s challenge and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the referee’s report, Owono was dismissed for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg while using excessive force, with the ball still in play.
The committee acknowledged the devastating outcome, explaining that the severity of the reported offense justified the 12-match punishment.
However, the decision comes against an exceptionally difficult emotional backdrop. While the disciplinary process addresses the footballing consequences of the challenge, the incident has left two clubs, their supporters, and the wider Spanish football community mourning the loss of a player.
Owono has expressed deep sorrow over De Miguel’s death, describing the period since the incident as the hardest days of his life.
In a statement released by FC Andorra, the goalkeeper said he was struggling to process what had happened and that his thoughts remained with the late striker’s family and loved ones.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him,” he said.
He also acknowledged that there would be difficult questions to answer, adding that he would face whatever came with respect.
The emotional impact has also raised questions about Owono’s future in football. FC Andorra coach Carles Manso has indicated that the goalkeeper will decide for himself whether and when he is ready to return to the game.
Meanwhile, Spanish police have opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision, meaning the disciplinary punishment does not necessarily bring the wider matter to a close.
Tributes have continued to pour in for De Miguel. Around 400 mourners, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, attended his funeral last Thursday.
Tenerife supporters and players also gathered at the club’s stadium for a memorial service.
Beyond the suspension, the tragedy has left a painful reminder of how quickly events on a football pitch can take a devastating turn. For De Miguel’s family, the loss is permanent, while Owono faces the difficult task of coming to terms with an incident that has changed several lives forever.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
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