The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee has issued a 12-match suspension to FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono following his red card during a November 2 match against Tenerife. The penalty follows an on-field collision that resulted in a tragic outcome for Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel.
Key Takeaways
- The incident: Owono received a straight red card in the final minutes of the match after a high-leg challenge on Jesús de Miguel.
- Tragic outcome: Jesús de Miguel collapsed following the collision and died the following day.
- Administrative pressure: FC Andorra president Gerard Piqué publicly urged the federation to clarify the suspension status of several players.
- Broader disciplinary issues: The club sought clarity regarding Owono and teammates Efe Akman and Lautaro de León, who faced their own disciplinary actions.
- Precipitated decision: The federation reached its resolution late Friday following the club’s public inquiries.
Background of the Disciplinary Action
The suspension stems from the match played on November 2 between Tenerife and Andorra. During the final moments of the game, Owono made contact with Jesús de Miguel while competing for the ball. The referee issued a direct red card to the goalkeeper for the challenge. De Miguel collapsed shortly after the incident and passed away the next day.
The federation’s ruling followed a public statement from Andorra president Gerard Piqué. In a video posted to social media, Piqué questioned the federation regarding the status of several Andorra players. The club had expressed confusion over the disciplinary standing of Owono, who was not scheduled to play in an upcoming match against Almería.
Additional Player Sanctions
The inquiry also addressed the status of other Andorra players involved in the match. Efe Akman received his fifth yellow card during the same game, triggering an automatic suspension. Lautaro de León was also dismissed from the match after receiving a second yellow card. The federation’s decision was finalized late Friday night as the club prepared for their weekend fixtures.