Owono Faces Possible Prison Sentence Over De Miguel's Death

Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after a heavy collision with Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a La Liga 2 match. The 30-year-old footballer died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Santa Cruz.

Owono and De Miguel collided late in the match. Andorra were 2-0 down and playing with ten men at the time, chasing the game. Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez showed Owono a red card. As the goalkeeper left the pitch, Tenerife fans chanted “killer.”

On social media, there are calls for Owono to receive a lifetime football ban. According to local media, the Homicide Group in Santa Cruz is investigating the circumstances of De Miguel's death. Article 142 of the Spanish Criminal Code distinguishes between reckless homicide and lesser negligence. If gross negligence is proven, Owono could face up to four years in prison. Under the lesser charge, only a fine would be possible. No similar precedent in Spanish football has been reported.

The Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Regulations provide that players who commit acts of violence during play and cause serious injury may be suspended for 4 to 12 matches.