FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono says he is experiencing “the most difficult days” of his life following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday, November 3, one day after colliding with Owono during a match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Spanish police have opened an investigation, but Owono, 25, has not been arrested or charged.
In his first public statement since the incident, Owono said he was struggling to process what had happened.
“These are proving to be the most difficult days of my life. Finding the words is hard for me, and I am finding it very difficult to take in anything that has happened,” he said.
“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think about him, about his family and about everyone who loved him.
“I know there will be many matters to deal with, and I will face whatever comes with all respect.
“But right now, truthfully, I can think of nothing other than Jesus and the pain we are living through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
FC Andorra published the statement, written in Spanish, on its official X account at 3.42pm GMT on Wednesday. The club said it remained deeply affected by De Miguel’s death and that Owono wanted to address the situation personally.
Andorra’s players also observed a pause before training on Wednesday to remember De Miguel and offer their condolences to his family and Tenerife.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had not published a disciplinary decision on Owono’s red card by Wednesday evening. The referee’s report says the goalkeeper was dismissed for raising his leg and striking an opponent with excessive force while the ball was contested.
If the RFEF disciplinary committee classifies the challenge as violent conduct during play that caused serious harm, Article 102 of its code allows a suspension of four to 12 matches. A finding of dangerous play would carry a ban of one to three matches.
Rafael Alonso Martinez, the RFEF’s sole competition judge for professional football, ruled that the match would not be resumed and that the 2-2 score would stand.
The referee’s report said play had stopped in the 96th minute, with two minutes remaining, so De Miguel could receive treatment. The captains and team delegates then told the referee they were not emotionally able to continue. Had the match restarted, Tenerife would have taken a direct free-kick in midfield.
The judge said his decision was based on humanity, sensitivity and respect for De Miguel’s memory, his family and his team-mates, rather than the score, the time left or any sporting consideration. The ruling is not a disciplinary sanction, and either club can appeal within 48 hours.
Andorra’s matchday 13 league fixture against Mallorca has been postponed.
Tenerife will hold a public tribute at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium on Saturday, November 7, at 6pm local time (6pm GMT). The gates will open at 4pm, with free entry until the stadium reaches capacity.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s chief prosecutor said a criminal case was very unlikely because the collision occurred during the normal course of play. No outcome from the police investigation has been announced.
