Spanish federation bans goalkeeper for death of opponent

Goalkeeper suspended after fatal tackle

Jesús Owono of FC Andorra received twelve matches suspension, the maximum penalty, after his tackle killed Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel during a second division match.

The incident on November second

The collision occurred on November second when both teams played in the Spanish promotion tournament. De Miguel was taken to intensive care and died the following day.

Federation cites excessive force

The Competition Committee found Owono committed grave violent conduct causing serious injury. It noted he acted with his leg high and used force the referee described as excessive.

“with the leg high and the use of force that the referee expressly qualifies as excessive”

Maximum penalty justified by death

The committee said De Miguel's death and the special gravity of the case justified applying the maximum punishment available for the infraction under federation rules.

Owono withdraws from national team

The twenty five year old goalkeeper withdrew from Guinea Equatorial's squad for matches this month in African Cup of Nations qualifying, describing the period as the most difficult days of his life.

“the most difficult days of my life”

Uncertain return to football

Andorra coach Carles Manso said Thursday that Owono had not decided whether to play again. The club would give him time and space to make that decision without pressure.