Jesus Owono has been left deeply distressed after the FC Andorra goalkeeper collided with Jesus de Miguel, who died after the incident on Monday evening.
The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international has faced serious accusations in the aftermath and has deleted his social media accounts. Meta, the company that operates Instagram, has also closed his account.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Owono was met with shouts of “assassin! assassin!” as he left the pitch. The publication said similar messages had flooded his social media accounts in the hours since De Miguel’s death.
People close to Owono said the collision was entirely unintentional and described him as a caring and friendly person who had no ill intentions.
The goalkeeper was said to have been deeply affected during the journey home. According to AS, the atmosphere was one of extreme concern, with Owono seen crying and praying in the dressing room after the match.
“These are very difficult hours for the 25-year-old goalkeeper from Equatorial Guinea,” AS reported.
FC Andorra, Owono’s club, has offered its support to De Miguel’s family and those close to him.
“With broken hearts, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, all his team-mates and friends, and CD Tenerife. Rest in peace,” the club said.
A minute’s silence will be held in memory of De Miguel before all European matches this week.
