
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been left deeply affected by the death of Tenerife footballer Jesús de Miguel following a collision during a Spanish second-division match. Owono’s teammate Lautaro Spatz has spoken publicly in support of the goalkeeper, describing the tragedy as devastating for everyone involved and stressing that Owono never intended to hurt anyone.
De Miguel, 30, died in hospital on Tuesday morning after colliding with Owono during Monday’s match between Tenerife and FC Andorra. The incident has sent shockwaves through Spanish Football, with players, clubs and supporters expressing their condolences to the striker’s family and teammates.
Spatz, who was on the pitch when the collision occurred, said the entire Andorra squad remained in shock. He also addressed the emotional impact on Owono, describing him as a teammate and friend who is struggling to process what happened.
Lautaro Spatz Says Jesús Owono Is Deeply Affected by Tragedy
Spatz used social media to express his support for Owono and reflect on the emotional impact of De Miguel’s death. The Andorra defender said the incident was something none of the players could have imagined experiencing during a football match.
“The entire FC Andorra squad has been in shock, devastated and deeply affected by what has happened. It is a tragedy that we could never have imagined experiencing on a football pitch.
“I would also like to say a few words about my teammate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened.
“Those of us who know him are aware of the sort of person he is, how much he is suffering at this time, and that he would never have intended to harm anyone. In football, there are accidental incidents, but no one could have imagined that one of them could lead to such tragic consequences.”
Spatz’s message highlighted the emotional burden being carried by the players who witnessed the incident. The defender also emphasised that the consequences were unimaginable and that the tragedy had affected the entire FC Andorra dressing room.
Police Open Investigation Into Jesús de Miguel’s Death
Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation had been opened following De Miguel’s death. Under Spanish law, deaths resulting from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.
The investigation follows the collision during the second-division match and forms part of the legal process after a death of this nature. The opening of an investigation does not itself establish criminal responsibility or determine whether an offence has taken place.
Owono, a 25-year-old international goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, has also faced a wave of racist abuse on social media. His Instagram account was deactivated on Tuesday after the insults directed at him.
The abuse has added another difficult dimension to an already distressing situation. While the circumstances of the collision remain subject to investigation, reactions from people connected to football have included appeals for restraint and compassion.
Fede Valverde’s Wife Urges Fans Not to Vilify Owono
Mina Bonino, the wife of Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde, appealed to her one million Instagram followers not to vilify Owono. She acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and the devastating consequences while arguing that the goalkeeper should not be treated as a murderer.
“There is no comfort or words to describe this moment. Sadly, his death could not be prevented, but as a society, we can take responsibility for preventing another tragedy. The goalkeeper [Jesús Owono] will have to bear the burden of his mistake for the rest of his life.
“A reckless challenge that cost his opponent his life and may well ruin his own as well, but he is no murderer. It is not our place to judge someone who had no intention of killing.
“He will serve his punishment and bear the weight of social condemnation that will shape the rest of his life, but we still have time to stop this and prevent another death.”
Bonino’s comments called for people to avoid turning the tragedy into a campaign of personal abuse. Her statement also recognised the long-term emotional consequences for Owono, while highlighting the need to prevent similar incidents in football.
The goalkeeper has received support from teammates and others in the football community as the investigation continues. The circumstances of the collision and any potential disciplinary or legal consequences remain separate matters from the online abuse directed at him.
Tenerife Squad to Attend Jesús de Miguel’s Funeral
CD Tenerife majority shareholder Rayco García confirmed that the entire squad would travel to mainland Spain to attend De Miguel’s funeral on Thursday. The service is scheduled to take place in Navahermosa, Toledo.
García also revealed that De Miguel’s wife and their 16-month-old child were at the Heliodoro Stadium on Monday when the incident occurred. Speaking to El Larguero, he described the emotional impact on the club and said the players needed time to say goodbye to their teammate.
“The important thing now is for the players to say goodbye to their teammate and come to terms with what has happened. It’s a tragic situation. There are things that some of our players shouldn’t have had to witness. A football pitch is a place where you’re meant to have a good time, and what we saw was anything but that.”
García confirmed that every member of the squad would attend the funeral before returning to Tenerife. The players would then receive a day off to continue processing the loss, with the club also planning a tribute at the Heliodoro Stadium on Saturday.
“We’re still in shock. The entire squad is going to the funeral, without exception. Then we’ll return to Tenerife. The lads will have the day off to continue coming to terms with this terrible blow. And on Saturday, at the Heliodoro [stadium,] we plan to hold a lovely tribute in his memory.
“We want to start coming to terms with this as soon as possible and look to the future. We know that Jesús will be with us.”
Football Community Mourns Jesús de Miguel
De Miguel’s death has deeply affected both clubs and the wider football community. The tragedy has prompted discussions about the emotional impact of serious on-field incidents, the responsibilities of players and the treatment of those involved.
For FC Andorra, the focus has been on supporting Owono and helping the squad cope with an event that unfolded in front of their teammates. Spatz’s statement reflected the shock inside the dressing room and his concern for a friend who is struggling with the consequences.
At Tenerife, the priority is remembering De Miguel and supporting his family. The club’s decision to attend his funeral as a full squad and organise a tribute at the Heliodoro Stadium reflects the impact he had on his teammates.
As the investigation proceeds, the circumstances surrounding the collision will be examined through the appropriate legal process. Meanwhile, both clubs are facing the difficult task of coming to terms with the loss of a player whose death has left teammates, family members and supporters grieving.
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