Jesús Owono handed 12-match ban over tackle that led to Jesús de Miguel's death
Spain's football federation has suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono for 12 matches over a challenge that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. The federation's disciplinary committee, the body that rules on player conduct, said the maximum sanction was justified given the conduct and circumstances.
De Miguel was 30. The incident happened in a second division match, Spain's second tier, on 2 November. Owono raced out into midfield to clear a high ball and collided with him. De Miguel was taken to intensive care and died the next day, 3 November.
The referee's report said Owono was sent off for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force while the ball was in play. The Guardian reported the ban on 13 November.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into the incident. It is being carried out under judicial supervision, which means a court oversees the process.
Owono is an Equatorial Guinea international. FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso said the goalkeeper would decide if and when he returns to football. The club has not set out any timetable.
Tenerife fans and players gathered at the club's stadium for a memorial and farewell to their striker. Around 400 mourners attended the funeral, among them Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Football is usually measured in goals, league positions and late winners. This week the game has been measured in something else. A 30-year-old has died, a family and a club are grieving, and a player faces a long wait before he can say whether he will play again.
