FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been suspended for 12 matches after being found guilty of a challenge involving Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, who died the following day.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee imposed the maximum available sanction on the Equatorial Guinea international after reviewing the incident from a Segunda Division match earlier this month.
Owono, 25, was shown a red card after colliding with De Miguel late in the game. The match was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time, with the score at 2-2.
In its ruling, the committee said the punishment was based on the referee’s report, which described Owono as having “violently strik[ed] an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play”.
“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel, is public knowledge,” the committee said.
“In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances – the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”
The federation also confirmed that the 2-2 result would stand, meaning the game will not be resumed from the point at which it was stopped.
“This avoids having to resume play from the precise moment at which the tragic incident occurred – the most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case,” it said.
Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that Owono has not yet decided whether he will continue playing football.
Owono previously issued a statement expressing his “enormous pain” following De Miguel’s death. He added that he “will face whatever comes with the utmost respect”.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. The federation said the disciplinary decision was based on the conduct recorded in the referee’s report and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
