Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesús Owono could face legal consequences following the death of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel after a collision during a Spanish second-division match involving FC Andorra and CD Tenerife.
The incident occurred during Monday’s encounter, when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for a long ball. In the process, his knee struck De Miguel, who was left seriously affected by the collision. The goalkeeper was shown a straight red card, while the match was subsequently abandoned.
De Miguel, 30, later died after suffering a cardiac arrest, turning what had been a football contest into a tragic incident that has attracted attention across the football world.
Following his death, questions have emerged about whether Owono could face criminal proceedings in Spain over his involvement in the incident.
The possibility of a prison sentence is linked to Article 142 of Spain’s Penal Code, which deals with involuntary manslaughter resulting from negligence. Under the law, a person found guilty of causing death through gross negligence could face a prison sentence of between one and four years.
However, criminal responsibility is not automatic simply because a player dies following a collision during a match. Investigators would have to establish whether Owono’s actions amounted to criminal negligence and whether the legal requirements for an involuntary manslaughter conviction have been met.
Spanish police have reportedly opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death. The Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is examining the incident as part of efforts to establish exactly what happened.
The investigation does not mean that Owono has been found guilty or that he will necessarily be prosecuted. The authorities must first assess the available evidence before determining whether there is a basis for criminal proceedings.
Apart from the possible legal consequences, the goalkeeper could also face disciplinary action from Spanish football authorities.
Football regulations provide for suspensions in cases involving violent conduct during play that results in serious injury. Depending on the findings of the disciplinary process, Owono could face a lengthy ban if the relevant provisions are found to apply to the challenge.
The incident has also reportedly taken an emotional toll on the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper. Following the tragedy, Owono faced criticism and online abuse, with reports indicating that he deactivated his social media account.
His FC Andorra teammate Lautaro Spatz has publicly defended him, describing the incident as a tragic accident and indicating that Owono was deeply affected by what happened.
The case has generated debate over the circumstances under which an incident during a competitive sporting event can lead to criminal liability. While football involves physical contact and challenges for possession, the law can still examine conduct that results in serious harm or death.
For now, Owono’s potential criminal liability remains unresolved. The police investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will determine whether the goalkeeper has a case to answer under Spanish law.
Until the authorities reach a conclusion, the incident remains a tragic on-field collision under investigation, rather than proof that Owono committed a criminal offence.
Source: Thepressradio.com
