FC Andorra Goalkeeper Breaks Silence Following Fatal Pitch Collision in Spain

OPA WIRE, Nov 4 (OPA) — Jesús Owono released a joint statement with FC Andorra on Wednesday, describing the aftermath of the tragedy as the most difficult period of his life. The collision occurred during the closing stages of a 2-2 draw between FC Andorra and Tenerife in Spain's second division on Monday, when Owono's knee struck de Miguel in the chest. De Miguel collapsed on the pitch and passed away early Tuesday morning at Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital after his neurological condition deteriorated.

"These are being the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened," Owono said in the statement. "I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him." Teammate Lautaro Spatz also defended Owono, stating that the goalkeeper was deeply affected and never intended to cause harm during the match.

The tragedy has triggered intense debate within Spanish football regarding challenges between goalkeepers and outfield players. Former Real Estate and Spain international goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares remarked on El Partidazo de COPE that Owono used excessive force and lacked the dexterity to pull back, though he noted that goalkeepers typically raise their knees for protection during goal-scoring opportunities.

Spanish police and homicide investigators in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have opened a routine probe into the death, which automatically triggers a judicial review for any non-natural fatality. Investigators are examining whether the tackle constitutes involuntary manslaughter, alongside a separate review of the emergency medical response on the pitch and during the ambulance transfer to determine if oxygen and defibrillators were properly utilized.