Jesus Owono received a 12-match suspension from Spain’s disciplinary committee following the late-match collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, according to the official RFEF disciplinary ruling reported by Sky Sport.
The incident occurred during the 97th minute of the Segunda División fixture between Tenerife and Andorra on Nov. 2 at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, where Owono rushed out to clear a ball and collided with De Miguel, according to Corriere della Sera. De Miguel, 30, was hospitalized and died the following day.
Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez described the play in his match report as a violent challenge with an elevated leg and excessive force while the ball was in play, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported.
Invoking article 102
The RFEF Comité de Disciplina deliberated for 11 days before issuing the penalty under Article 102 of the disciplinary code, which governs serious infractions committed while the ball is in play, Sky Sport noted. The committee applied the maximum sanction permitted by the regulations after factoring in the tragic outcome of the challenge.
“È pubblico e notorio il tragico epilogo dei fatti, con il decesso di Jesús de Miguel Alameda,” the committee said in its official filing, adding that the nature of the conduct and the surrounding circumstances justified the maximum penalty.
Andorra holds 10 working days to file an appeal with the Comité de Apelación, Sky Sport reported.
Carles Manso addresses Owono's mental health and future
Andorra manager Carles Manso addressed the team’s preparations ahead of their subsequent fixture against Almería, noting the emotional toll on the squad.
“La verità è che non è facile, nessuno ti insegna a vivere queste cose. Owono? Gli daremo spazio per decidere se e quando si sentirà pronto,” said Carles Manso, Andorra manager, speaking to Sky Sport regarding Owono’s status.
Owono has been training apart from the main squad while receiving psychological support from the club, and local reports indicate he is considering whether to continue his professional playing career, Sky Sport stated.
Gerard Piqué criticizes the delay in publishing sanctions
Before the disciplinary committee announced the 12-match ban, Almería primary shareholder Gerard Piqué criticized the governing body on social media over the delay in publishing sanction lists ahead of the weekend fixtures, according to Sky Sport.
Worth a look
