FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been suspended for 12 matches following the fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a LaLiga Hypermotion match.
The incident occurred at the start of the month when both players challenged for a loose ball near the halfway line. Owono's knee collided with De Miguel's chest as he attempted to clear the ball, and he was shown a red card.
De Miguel suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest on the pitch and was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he died at 8am last Tuesday morning. The 30-year-old's death plunged Spanish football into a period of mourning.
Maximum penalty under disciplinary code
A preliminary post-mortem report concluded that De Miguel died from "accidental chest trauma." A police inquiry has been launched, as is standard procedure under Spanish law in cases involving deaths from non-natural causes.
The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation ruled that Owono must serve a 12-match ban. Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez stated in his report that Owono was sent off for "making a violent impact with his leg raised high on an opponent with excessive force while the ball was in play."
The committee applied Article 102 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, which addresses violent conduct causing serious injury or harm to an opponent during play. The regulation carries a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches, meaning Owono has been handed the maximum penalty.
Owono's statement and support
Following the incident, Owono issued a statement saying: "These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened."
"I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many questions to address," he added.
"I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
Owono disabled his social media accounts after receiving a barrage of abuse. FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz offered support to his teammate, saying: "I would also like to say a few words about my teammate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened."
"Those of us who know him are aware of the sort of person he is, how much he is suffering at this time, and that he would never have intended to harm anyone. In football, there are accidental incidents, but no one could have imagined that one of them could lead to such tragic consequences."
De Miguel was laid to rest last week in his parents' hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo.
