Andorra Teammate Spatz Defends Owono

FC Andorra centre-back Lautaro Spatz defended goalkeeper teammate Jesus Owono on social media. Owono collided with Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel on Monday, and De Miguel died the following day.

Owono deactivated his Instagram account after receiving online attacks on Tuesday. Some users wrote "killer" in the comments on his posts. Andorra said it was offering psychological support to anyone at the club who asked for help following De Miguel's death.

Spatz said Owono had been deeply affected by what had happened this week. "Those who know what kind of person he is know how much he is suffering right now, and that he would never intentionally harm anyone," he said. Spatz also extended his condolences to De Miguel's family and to Tenerife.

The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also expressed support for Owono in its statement on Tuesday. The federation said the 25-year-old player was experiencing deep grief. Owono has worn the Equatorial Guinea national team shirt in 47 matches.

Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono wrote on social media that he had been subjected to racist attacks because he was being confused with the Andorra player. Meanwhile, Spain's national police opened a routine investigation into De Miguel's death.