Authorities are investigating the death of Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match. The investigation includes a probe into the emergency medical response provided to De Miguel.
De Miguel, a striker for Tenerife, collapsed after being struck in the chest by Owono's knee during a heated 2-2 draw in Spain's second division on Monday. He passed away early Tuesday morning.
Owono was shown a red card for the challenge, and both teams received another red card in the ensuing confrontation. A homicide squad has launched an investigation, as any death not resulting from natural causes automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.
New footage from the stands shows Owono involved in confrontations before the tackle. In one instance, he appeared to motion for the opposing goalkeeper, Dani Martin, to leave the field after Martin was also shown a red card. Video also captured Owono celebrating Andorra FC's 88th-minute equalizer with apparent fervor.
Witnesses and fans described Owono as appearing "fired-up" and "unhinged" in the moments leading up to the collision, with some calling the tackle "reckless" and an "assault."
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Canizares stated that Owono used "excessive force" and lacked the "physical dexterity to pull himself back" when contesting the ball. Canizares suggested Owono's momentum caused his knee to rise with "excessive speed."
FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz defended Owono, saying the goalkeeper is "deeply affected" by the tragedy and would "never intend to hurt anyone."
In addition to investigating the tackle itself, police are examining the medical response. This includes questions about whether De Miguel received oxygen on the pitch, if a defibrillator was used immediately, and the procedures during his transfer to an ambulance.
Sources suggest there are "discrepancies" or "inaccuracies" in medical reports compared to other evidence. Investigators are reportedly looking into whether De Miguel was administered oxygen and if the transfer to the ambulance, which involved personnel jogging while carrying the player on a spinal board, was performed with due diligence and safety.
Legal experts do not anticipate criminal charges against Owono for the tackle, given it occurred during open play, but he is expected to face a lengthy ban.
De Miguel, a 30-year-old father of one, was reportedly revived by paramedics on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest before being taken to Nuestra Senora Candelaria University Hospital. His club confirmed his death, stating they were "heartbroken."
Owono is reportedly seeking to apologize to De Miguel's family privately before making any public statement. His social media has been made private following online abuse.
Funeral services for De Miguel are expected to take place in Navahermosa, his parents' hometown, with his club and regional officials expressing deep sorrow.
The investigation is ongoing, with the police report to be submitted to a judge who will decide on further actions. A court source described the collision as "an accidental collision on the playing field."