Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono handed ban for tackle that led to Jesus de Miguel death

Detailed summary

Jesus Owono has been given a 12-game suspension (AP Photos) FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been banned for 12 games for his tackle that resulted in the death of Tenerife…

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been banned for 12 games for his tackle that resulted in the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.

The 25-year-old was sent off after his collision with De Miguel near the halfway line late in the Spanish second division match on November 2.

De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after Owono’s knee had struck him in the chest. The 30-year-old striker was taken to hospital where he died the following morning.

The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has now issued the maximum suspension possible for Owono’s challenge.

A statement said: ‘The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which states that the player was sent off for ‘violently striking 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. In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances… the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.’

In his first statement since De Miguel’s death, Owono insisted he will ‘face whatever comes with the utmost respect’.

‘These are the most difficult days of my life. I’m struggling to find the words and finding it very hard to process what has happened,’ Owono said.

‘I feel immense pain at the loss of Jesus. I’m thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.

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