A Spanish footballer died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with the opposing team’s goalkeeper during a second-division match. Jesus de Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for Tenerife, collapsed on the pitch after being struck in the chest by FC Andorra’s goalkeeper Jesus Owono. The incident occurred near midfield during added time in the Segunda Division game between Tenerife and Andorra.
The collision led to Owono being shown a red card by the referee. De Miguel was taken to hospital but later died. A separate investigation has been launched by Spanish court officials, with a judge set to open a probe into the incident. Spanish police have also opened a manslaughter inquiry into the death, considering the possibility of involuntary manslaughter.
This is not the first time Owono has been involved in a controversial on-field challenge. The match was abandoned in stoppage time after the collision, with De Miguel suffering serious injuries. Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, has been linked to previous incidents in Spanish football, though no prior criminal charges have been filed.
The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and the consequences of high-impact challenges in football. The ongoing investigation will determine whether Owono’s actions met the legal threshold for criminal liability. The case highlights the risks of on-field collisions and the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in professional football.
