Spanish FA issue lengthy statement as goalkeeper receives 'maximum' ban over fatal Jesus de Miguel collision

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have sanctioned FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono with a 12-match suspension after his challenge resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.

Owono, who was running out of his area to clear the ball in the 96th minute of the Spanish second tier match between the two sides on Monday, November 2, struck De Miguel in the chest.

The 30-year-old striker received medical attention on the pitch and was transported to hospital, but his health was reported to have deteriorated overnight and he was pronounced dead on the following day (Tuesday).

A statement was issued on behalf of Owono, 25, who said he had experienced 'the most difficult days of my life' following the fatal collision. The goalkeeper was left out of Equatorial Guinea's squad for the ongoing international break at his own request, it was stated.

Spanish FA announce Jesus Owono punishment

Owono was shown a straight red card after the collision. Andorra have not played since the match against Tenerife but are scheduled to take on Almeria in La Liga HyperMotion action on Saturday, which Owono would not have played in any case due to his standard suspension for a red card offence.

Ahead of that match, the RFEF have increased Owono's suspension to 12 matches, citing 'excessive force' and that the goalkeeper committed a 'reckless, high-legged tackle on an opponent'.

They also state they have given him the 'maximum' sanction under the RFEF's Disciplinary Code.

The statement, published by the RFEF, reads: "In the 90+6 minute, the player was sent off for the following reason: for making a reckless, high-legged tackle on an opponent while the ball was in play.

"The referee's own description makes it possible to appreciate the particular seriousness of the action, not least because of the way it was executed - with the leg raised high - due to the suddenness of the impact and, in particular, the application of a level of force that the referee explicitly categorises as excessive, while the ball was in dispute.

"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 these events, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Almeida, is a matter of public knowledge.

"Given the nature of the conduct described and the surrounding circumstances, this Committee finds that these actions constitute a serious infraction under Article 102 of the Disciplinary Code of the RFEF. The exceptional gravity of the incident warrants the imposition of the maximum possible sanction: a 12-match suspension."

What Article 102 of the RFEF's Disciplinary Code states

Article 102 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code reads as follows: "Acting violently toward an opponent during a match, resulting in harmful or injurious consequences - whether by their very nature or due to the period of inactivity they may necessitate - shall be punishable by a suspension of four to 12 matches, provided the act does not constitute a more serious offence.

"If the offender is a physician, nurse or physiotherapist for either of the competing teams, the sanction shall be a suspension of six to eight months - unless the act constitutes a more serious offence - along with the corresponding additional financial penalty.