Jesús de Miguel’s Death: Jesús Owono Faces Potential 8-to-12-Match Suspension

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The Spanish football authorities are considering a potentially lengthy suspension for Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono following the on-field incident that preceded the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. The disciplinary case has attracted considerable attention, with the proposed penalty potentially reaching between eight and twelve matches.

The incident occurred during the closing stages of a match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Owono was sent off after colliding with De Miguel while attempting to intervene in an attacking move.

A Collision With Tragic Consequences

The confrontation took place when Owono left his penalty area to challenge for the ball. During the intervention, the goalkeeper raised his leg and struck the Tenerife forward. Referee Manuel Ángel Pérez Hernández considered the challenge excessively forceful and immediately showed Owono a red card.

Medical personnel attended to De Miguel on the pitch before he was transported to hospital. Despite receiving medical assistance, the Spanish striker died on November 3, the day after the match.

His death has since raised serious questions about the circumstances of the collision and the responsibilities involved in such incidents during professional football matches.

Disciplinary Regulations Could Lead to a Lengthy Suspension

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is examining the possibility of applying Article 102 of its disciplinary code. This provision allows suspensions ranging from four to twelve matches when violent conduct during play produces particularly serious consequences.

Another provision, Article 130, provides for lighter penalties of between one and three matches in certain situations involving violent actions that create a risk without resulting in harmful consequences or injuries.

Given the fatal outcome of the incident, the disciplinary authorities could consider the more severe provision. According to reports in the Spanish sports media, the potential punishment for Owono could fall within the eight-to-twelve-match range.

However, no definitive decision has been announced, and the goalkeeper has not yet received a final disciplinary sanction.

RFEF Postpones Its Decision

The federation's disciplinary committee was initially expected to examine the case during the current week. However, proceedings were postponed, with the authorities indicating that matters relating to the Tenerife-Andorra fixture would be addressed after the professional competitions judge formally declared the match concluded.

A decision is now expected next week, although the precise timetable remains subject to the federation's procedures.

Separate Investigation Into the Player's Death

Alongside the sporting disciplinary process, Spanish authorities have opened a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death.

The investigation follows the standard procedure applicable to deaths considered non-natural. Its existence does not, in itself, establish criminal responsibility on the part of Owono.

Legal assessments circulating in Spain distinguish between disciplinary responsibility under football regulations and potential criminal liability. While a sporting sanction may assess whether a challenge violated the rules of the game, criminal proceedings must establish whether the circumstances went beyond the risks ordinarily associated with professional football.

The coming days are therefore expected to be decisive in determining the sporting consequences of the incident, while the separate investigation continues to examine the circumstances of the striker's death.