Goalkeeper Owono Banned for 12 Matches After Collision in Which Striker Died in Spain

At the start of this month, in a Spanish second division match, Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died in hospital after a head-on collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. After the tragic death in the unintentional accident, Owono could not forgive himself. He has not played in any match since that incident.

Andorra coach Carles Manso has said there is doubt over whether the 25-year-old Owono will ever return to football. Amid that uncertainty came a certain piece of news. It was known Owono would be punished. Yesterday the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee announced it. Owono has been banned for 12 matches.

The disciplinary committee said it had to take its decision on the basis of 'the information clearly mentioned in the referee's report'. The report said Owono was shown a red card and sent off for 'using excessive force during play to strike an opposing player's chest forcefully with his foot'. The committee's statement also said: 'Everyone knows about the death of Jesus de Miguel Alamera as the tragic consequence of this incident.'

Saying Owono had been given the maximum punishment, the disciplinary committee added that because of 'the nature of the conduct described and the surrounding circumstances', 'the maximum punishment, that is a 12-match ban, is justified'.

The Spanish Football Federation has decided not to stage that match again. The match was abandoned after the incident happened in the seventh minute of added time. The federation said: 'As a result, it was possible to avoid restarting play from exactly the moment when that tragic incident happened.' Until the match was abandoned the two teams were level at 2-2, and that result will now stand. The federation's committee said: 'Considering the unusual and tragic circumstances of this incident, this was the most respectful step.'

The match was held on November 2. Miguel died in hospital the next day. On November 4, Owono's club published a statement on his behalf. It said Owono was going through the 'hardest days' of his life and felt 'intense pain' at Miguel's death.

Last Thursday Andorra coach Manso said that after the incident, the Equatorial Guinea national team goalkeeper had not yet decided whether he would return to football. That means there is also a fear he may not return. Manso said Owono is currently spending time with his family and is 'completely free to take any decision' about a possible return. Manso added: 'Our job is to support him in every way and stand beside him.'

In the Andorra coach's words: 'We will give him the chance to be on his own, so that he feels completely free in taking any decision. Whether he wants to return, or when he will return. He will take it only when he feels truly ready to take that decision.'