The death of Jesús de Miguel, a forward for Tenerife, has left Spanish football in mourning. De Miguel was involved in a collision during a match in the second division with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
Though tributes to the 30-year-old are ongoing, attention has turned to what Owono may face in the future, such as potential disciplinary measures or criminal investigations.
It has been reported that Owono, an international for Equatorial Guinea, has been greatly affected by the incident and the death of De Miguel.
He has also been subjected to social-media abuse, with some users directing personal insults at him and labelling him a “murderer.”
However, the unfortunate outcome does not establish guilt on Owono’s part.
But any sporting or legal consequences will hinge on an assessment of the challenge, the surrounding circumstances and the relevant rules.
The disciplinary and criminal processes are separate tracks, and neither should be conflated with the grief surrounding De Miguel’s death.
The collision occurred on Monday during Tenerife’s match against Andorra.
De Miguel was chasing a long ball near the halfway line as Tenerife pressed for a late winner.
Owono came rushing out of his penalty area to clear the ball but collided with the forward, striking him in the chest with his knee.
De Miguel went down and received on-pitch medical treatment for more than five minutes before being taken away by ambulance.
Owono was shown a red card, and the match was abandoned in the seventh minute of stoppage time with the score at 2-2.
Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to hospital and had to be revived in the ambulance.
His condition worsened overnight, and Tenerife confirmed his death on Tuesday.
According to Times of India, Article 102 provides for a suspension of between four and 12 matches for players who commit violent conduct against an opponent during play and cause serious injury or harm.
The provision could be considered when assessing Owono’s challenge, but it does not apply automatically.
Disciplinary authorities would need to examine the nature of the challenge, the goalkeeper’s actions and the circumstances of the collision before deciding whether Article 102 applies and what sanction, if any, is appropriate.
De Miguel’s death does not automatically mean Owono will receive the maximum 12-match suspension.