Legal investigation opens in Spain following the fatal cardiac arrest of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
The football world is in deep mourning following the tragic death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who passed away at a hospital in Santa Cruz on Tuesday morning at the age of 30.
The La Liga 2 forward suffered a cardiac arrest following a high challenge from Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a league match between the two competing clubs.
Following the tragic incident, Jesus Owono now faces the possibility of a four-year prison sentence, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Investigation by The Homicide Group in Santa Cruz
The Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz has launched an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jesus de Miguel, examining the impact of the collision.
During the match, Jesus Owono rushed from his goal and collided with the forward, leaving Jesus de Miguel knocked to the floor after his chest hit the knee of the Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper.
Referee action and immediate football fallout
Match referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez immediately punished the goalkeeper with a red card, while leaving the field to loud chants of assassin from angry home fans in the stadium.
According to reports, Jesus Owono was visibly distraught in the dressing room after the match was abandoned, and has since deleted his official Instagram account following heavy social media abuse.
Legal framework under the Spanish Penal Code
Article 142 of the Spanish Penal Code establishes strict distinctions between manslaughter due to gross negligence and manslaughter due to less serious negligence during sporting events.
If gross negligence is legally proven in court, Jesus Owono could face a prison sentence of up to four years, whereas a lesser charge would only result in a standard financial fine.
Football federations and teammate reactions
The Spanish Football Federation disciplinary code dictates that players committing violent conduct during play that inflicts serious injury can receive bans ranging from four to 12 matches.
The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation president, Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha, expressed full solidarity with the goalkeeper, while teammate Lautaro Spatz defended his character publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why could Jesus Owono face prison time?
Jesus Owono could face up to four years in prison under Article 142 of the Spanish Penal Code if gross negligence is proven in the tragic death of Jesus de Miguel.
What happened to Jesus de Miguel?
The 30-year-old Tenerife striker tragically suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in a Santa Cruz hospital following a high challenge from Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
How long is Jesus Owono banned from football?
The Spanish Football Federation disciplinary code specifies that violent conduct causing serious injury can lead to a suspension of between four and 12 matches.
Which police unit is investigating the incident?
The Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the Spanish football player.
