FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has spoken publicly for the first time since Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died, describing the period following their on-field collision as “the most difficult days of my life”.
De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday, November 3, one day after the stoppage-time incident during the match in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Spanish police have opened an investigation, but Owono, 25, has not been arrested or charged.
In a statement published by FC Andorra on its official X account at 3.42pm GMT on Wednesday, Owono said: “These are proving to be the most difficult days of my life. Finding the words is hard for me, and I am finding it very difficult to take in anything that has happened.
“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think about him, about his family and about everyone who loved him.
“I know there will be many matters to deal with, and I will face whatever comes with all respect.
“But right now, truthfully, I can think of nothing other than Jesus and the pain we are living through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
FC Andorra said the club remained deeply affected by De Miguel’s death and that Owono wanted to share a personal message. It ended its post by asking for the greatest possible sensitivity and respect.
The Equatorial Guinea international became known across Africa during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, when he saved two penalties in the shoot-out victory over Mali.
Earlier on Wednesday, FC Andorra’s players observed a pause before training to remember De Miguel and offer their condolences to his family and Tenerife.
Match result stands as disciplinary decision awaits
Rafael Alonso Martinez, the Spanish Football Federation’s sole competition judge for professional football, ruled on Wednesday that the match would not be resumed. The 2-2 score therefore stands.
The referee’s report, quoted in the ruling, says play was stopped in the 96th minute while De Miguel received treatment, with two minutes remaining. The captains and team delegates subsequently told the referee they were not emotionally able to continue. Tenerife would have restarted the match with a direct free-kick from midfield.
The judge said his decision was based on humanity, sensitivity and respect for De Miguel’s memory, his family and his team-mates, rather than the time left, the score or sporting considerations. Restarting the game, he added, would have meant returning to the moment of the tragedy.
The ruling is not a disciplinary sanction, and either club has 48 hours to appeal.
By Wednesday evening, the RFEF had not announced a decision on Owono’s red card. The referee reported that the goalkeeper was dismissed for raising his leg and striking an opponent with excessive force while the ball was being contested.
A finding of violent conduct causing serious harm under Article 102 of the RFEF code could bring a suspension of four to 12 matches. A lesser dangerous-play offence carries a ban of one to three matches.
Andorra’s matchday 13 league fixture against Mallorca has been postponed. Tenerife will hold a public tribute at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium on Saturday, November 7, at 6pm local time (6pm GMT). Entry will be free until capacity is reached, with the gates opening at 4pm.
No result has been announced from the police investigation. Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s chief prosecutor has said a criminal case is very unlikely because the collision occurred during normal play.
