Goalkeeper who caused the death of an opposing player faces 'only a 12-match ban' in official announcement... What exactly is the reason?

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The severity of the sanction does not appear to be particularly high relative to the act. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dealt a blow at the highest level to the goalkeeper who, during an excessive aerial ball contest in the middle of a match, collided with an opposing attacker and ultimately caused his death.

The British media outlet 'The Guardian' reported on the 14th (Korean time), "The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee has imposed a 12-match suspension on goalkeeper Jesus Owono (FC Andorra) for causing the death of Tenerife attacker Jesus de Miguel last week."

According to the report, the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee stated in an official statement, "The conduct considered in this disciplinary procedure must be based on facts explicitly recorded in the referee's match report," adding, "The report records that the player was sent off for using excessive force with his leg to violently strike the opponent's chest while the ball was in play."

The committee further explained the background of the sanction by stating, "The tragic outcome of de Miguel's death is a fact already widely known," and adding, "Considering the nature of the described conduct and all circumstances, the maximum sanction under the regulations, a 12-match suspension, is justified."

It was a tragedy. In stoppage time of the second half of the Spanish Second Division match between Tenerife and Andorra held on the 2nd at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, goalkeeper Owono, who had rushed deep into midfield to deal with an aerial ball, jumped with his knees and legs raised high, striking de Miguel directly in the chest as he charged toward the ball.

De Miguel, who collapsed on the pitch after receiving a massive impact, suffered cardiac arrest inside an ambulance before being urgently transferred to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital, but ultimately did not regain consciousness and passed away at the young age of 30 the day after the accident. It was revealed that the deceased's wife and his 16-month-old daughter were in the stands at the time of the incident, sending an even greater shock through the entire Spanish football community.

Owono, who was immediately shown the red card and sent off on the scene, is currently under police investigation for negligent homicide under the supervision of judicial authorities in accordance with mandatory procedures under Spanish criminal law. Amidst the flood of criticism following the incident, Owono closed his personal social networking service (SNS) account and did not participate in team training. Last week, in an official statement released through the club, he confessed to his devastated state of mind.

At the time, Owono stated, "I am going through the hardest days of my life. I am at a loss for words and it is incredibly difficult to accept everything that has happened," adding, "I feel an indescribable, immense pain over losing de Miguel. I am thinking only of him, his family, and everyone who loved him."

He also stated, "There will be many issues to deal with in the future, and whatever happens, I will face it with the utmost respect," while adding, "Right now, I cannot think of anything other than de Miguel and the pain we are going through. May he rest in peace," mourning the deceased.

His club and country embraced Owono, who was plunged into great shock. Andorra manager Carles Manso stated at a press conference last Thursday, "Whether or not to return to football after this tragic incident and when to return will be decided entirely by Owono himself," expressing his intention to guarantee the player sufficient time. Previously, Andorra defender Lautaro Spartz and the Equatorial Guinea Football Association also expressed public support, stating that Owono is by no means a person who would intentionally harm an opponent.

The wave of mourning from the Spanish football community for the late de Miguel continued. Last Saturday, an official memorial ceremony was held at Tenerife's home stadium, attended by players and fans. Approximately 400 mourners attended the funeral held last Thursday, including Luis de la Fuente, manager of the Spain national football team, and Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, to see off the attacker who tragically passed away on his final journey.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original