FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match ban by the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the collision that killed Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
De Miguel died aged 30 after the incident during a LaLiga Hypermotion match on Monday. Both players competed for a loose ball, and as Owono attempted to clear it, he struck De Miguel in the chest.
Incident and Death
Owono was sent off during the match. De Miguel went into cardiorespiratory arrest on the pitch and, after being transported to hospital by ambulance, died at 8am on Tuesday morning.
A preliminary autopsy report stated that De Miguel died from "accidental chest trauma." A police investigation has been opened, as is routine under Spanish law for deaths from non-natural causes.
Ban and Reaction
Nearly a week after the tragedy, Owono, who would have served a three-game suspension regardless for violent play, has been handed the extended ban.
In the wake of the incident, Owono released 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."
"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."
Support for Owono
Owono deactivated his social media pages after receiving a tidal wave of abuse. FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz supported 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."
Tributes were paid to De Miguel across Champions League games this week.
