Spanish police have launched an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after 30‑year‑old Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel suffered cardiac arrest and died following a chest‑impact collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during added time of a Segunda División match on Monday.
Key facts:
- The incident occurred in the final minutes of a 2‑2 draw, prompting officials to abandon the game.
- De Miguel was taken to hospital where his pulse was restored en route, but his condition later deteriorated, leading to his death at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
- Owono received a straight red card and was later questioned by authorities.
- The Spanish National Police confirmed that prosecutors will also be involved in the case.
- A statement from CD Tenerife read: “There are no words of comfort. There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow.”
What triggered the investigation?
The National Police announced on Tuesday that they had opened formal proceedings, citing the severity of the incident and the fatal outcome. Prosecutors are expected to assess whether the actions of the goalkeeper constitute criminal negligence under Spanish law.
How did the collision unfold on the pitch?
During added time, De Miguel was contesting a long ball near midfield when Owono rushed out of his goal area and struck the forward in the chest. The forward fell to his knees, clutched his torso, and then collapsed backward, prompting immediate medical attention. Owono was shown a straight red card and, after briefly walking off, returned to assist teammates in checking on De Miguel.
What reactions have been expressed?
Andorra, owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, issued a condolence statement, as did the Spanish football federation and La Liga. Real Madrid players observed a minute’s silence during training, while Espanyol postponed its new coach’s presentation. English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool also posted tributes on social media. The federation delayed two Copa del Rey fixtures and one Copa de la Reina match scheduled for later that day.
Is this a common occurrence in football?
Fatal injuries from on‑field collisions are extremely rare. The article notes a 2022 incident where 19‑year‑old goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez died after two cardiac arrests, and a 2001 case involving Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun, who succumbed to head injuries during a match.
The tragedy has left the Tenerife community and the broader football world mourning a player whose professional career began with Leganés B in 2015 and who joined Tenerife only last year.