Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee following the on-field collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.Owono, who plays for Spanish second-division club FC Andorra, collided with De Miguel during their league match on November 2. The Tenerife forward was rushed to hospital and admitted to intensive care but died the following day.The federation’s disciplinary committee imposed the maximum 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 referee’s own description makes it possible to appreciate the particular seriousness of the action, both because of the way it was carried out, with the leg raised, and because of the forcefulness of the impact, which the referee expressly described as excessive,” the committee said.“It is public knowledge that the tragic outcome of the events was the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” it added, saying that the particular seriousness of the case justified “the imposition of the sanction at its maximum level”.
Owono yet to decide on return after ‘most difficult days of my life’
While the disciplinary action has now been announced, Owono’s immediate future in football remains uncertain, with the 25-year-old yet to decide when, or whether, he will return to competitive action.FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that the club would give the goalkeeper the time and space needed to make that decision following the tragedy.“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.”Manso added that Owono was spending time with his family, friends and partner as he dealt with the aftermath of the incident.“It is a very complicated situation to manage,” the manager said, adding that the goalkeeper would decide his next step “when he feels it is appropriate and when he feels genuinely ready to take a decision like that”.Owono had earlier withdrawn from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe this month.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.The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also said he was experiencing profound sorrow and grief following De Miguel’s death.
Tribute to CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. (Reuters Photo)
De Miguel’s family thanks supporters after fundraising campaign
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.A crowdfunding campaign organised by third-tier club Hercules forward Fran Sol for the family had raised €213,160.“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the expressions of affection and support we have received,” De Miguel’s family said.“We have been deeply moved to see so many of you rally behind this initiative.”The family also thanked Sol for setting up the campaign, with the proceeds intended to support De Miguel’s relatives.FC Andorra are scheduled to travel to Almeria on Saturday for their first fixture since the tragedy.