The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has postponed its decision on the punishment facing Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono following the incident in which Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel later died.
The committee announced the sanctions from the 12th round of the Segunda Division on Thursday but excluded Owono’s case. It said a decision on the goalkeeper would be made soon, despite him receiving a straight red card in the match, which was subsequently suspended because of the seriousness of the incident.
Under the disciplinary regulations, offences of this nature would normally lead to a suspension of between four and 12 matches. However, the circumstances prompted the competition judge to make an exceptional ruling on the future of the fixture itself.
According to Spanish outlet okdiario, the judge has confirmed the score recorded by the referee immediately before the tragedy: a 2-2 draw between Tenerife and Andorra. The match has been formally brought to an end and will not be resumed.
The ruling said: “The circumstances of this case are exceptionally serious, as the match was suspended because of a serious incident suffered by one of the players during play, which unfortunately later led to his death. In view of this situation, the organising body considers that the decision on whether the match should be resumed or ended must be taken with compassion, sensitivity and respect for the memory of the deceased player, his family and his team-mates.”
It added: “From this perspective, it is considered that the most respectful course of action, given the exceptional and tragic circumstances, is to end the match.”
Decision on suspension still pending
The disciplinary committee has not yet determined the length of any ban for Owono because Tenerife and Andorra remain within the legal period allowed to submit their arguments and evidence.
“As the match ended yesterday by decision of the competition judge, the matters arising from the referee’s report will be resolved shortly,” the committee said.
The ruling means the match will stand at 2-2, rather than being completed at a later date. The circumstances of the case, however, mean it currently appears unlikely that either club will begin a legal challenge over the result or any eventual punishment while mourning continues.
A criminal investigation into the incident, opened by police, is also ongoing. It has not yet been established whether provisions of the criminal code will be applied.
In the meantime, the football community has maintained silence and shown respect for Jesus de Miguel’s memory, with conclusions about the sporting punishment facing Owono left until the disciplinary process is complete.
