Jesús de Miguel’s Death: What Disciplinary Action Could FC Andorra Goalkeeper Owono Face?

Spanish football is mourning the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel following an on-pitch collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division match on Monday.

While tributes continue for the 30-year-old striker, attention has also turned to the possible disciplinary and legal consequences for Owono. However, De Miguel’s death does not automatically establish that the goalkeeper committed an offence.

How the Fatal Collision Happened

The incident occurred during Tenerife’s encounter with Andorra, as De Miguel chased a long ball while his team searched for a late winning goal.

Owono rushed out of his penalty area to clear the ball but collided with the forward, striking him in the chest with his knee. De Miguel received medical attention on the pitch for more than five minutes before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

The goalkeeper was shown a red card, while the match was abandoned in the seventh minute of stoppage time with the score at 2-2.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest while being transported to hospital and was revived in the ambulance. His condition reportedly deteriorated overnight, and Tenerife confirmed his death on Tuesday.

Possible Disciplinary Sanction Under Article 102

According to the Times of India, Article 102 of Spain’s disciplinary regulations provides for a suspension of between four and 12 matches where a player commits violent conduct against an opponent during play and causes serious injury or harm.

The provision could be considered in assessing Owono’s challenge, but its application is not automatic. Disciplinary authorities would have to examine the nature of the challenge, the goalkeeper’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the collision before determining whether the rule applies.

De Miguel’s death does not automatically mean Owono will receive the maximum 12-match suspension. Any sanction would depend on the findings of the relevant disciplinary body after reviewing the available evidence.

Owono Faces Abuse as Investigation Questions Remain

Owono, an international goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, is reportedly deeply affected by the incident. He has also faced insults and online abuse, with some social media users calling him a “murderer.”

However, the tragic outcome alone does not prove criminal wrongdoing. Any possible criminal proceedings would be separate from football disciplinary action and would require an assessment of the evidence and applicable law.

For now, the circumstances of the collision and any potential consequences remain matters for the relevant authorities to assess, as the football community mourns De Miguel.

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