New footage has revealed the tense moments before goalkeeper Jesus Owono launched a ‘reckless’ tackle that led to the death of Tenerife footballer Jesus de Miguel.
FC Andorra goalkeeper Owono collided with opposing striker De Miguel in the latter stages of a hotly contested 2-2 draw in Spain’s second division on Monday.
De Miguel immediately collapsed following the devastating blow in which Owono’s knee appeared to strike the forward in the chest. He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A homicide squad has launched an investigation as court officials explained any death ‘not resulting from natural causes’ automatically triggers a judicial investigation, with police now also probing the medical response to the incident.
Now, new footage taken from the stands has revealed how a fired-up Owono behaved in the moments leading up to the devastating collision.
The video shows how Owono had made his way to the other end of the pitch to get involved in a confrontation following a red card for opposing goalkeeper Dani Martin, before appearing to motion for him to make his way off the field of play.
Martin and Owono appeared to continue their argument as they exchanged gestures as the Tenerife shot-stopper departed the scene.
The footage then captured Owono’s wild celebrations – in which he leapt into the air and punched his fist – as Andorra FC scored an 88th minute equaliser.
‘Here you have the images prior to the action by goalkeeper Owono, in the parts where he’s not in focus — in one of them, he’s confronting and saying things to the rival goalkeeper, and in the other, celebrating the goal right in the face of the Tenerife stands,’ one fan wrote.
‘He’s a repeat offender when it comes to this kind of behavior.’
Another said: ‘There isn’t anyone from those of us who were in the stadium who didn’t agree with the opinion that the entry was reckless. That it was an assault. It’s clear that he didn’t want the final outcome, but it’s also clear that it wasn’t an isolated incident.’
‘I’m right behind that goal! Owono was completely unhinged! He came all the way to the rival goal to confront Dani, the Tenerife goalkeeper, over Lautaro’s red card, and started gesticulating wildly at Dani to get him off the field after being sent off! This guy was totally out of his mind,’ a third posted.
Former Real Madrid and Spain international goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, conceded he believed Owono used ‘excessive force’ when going for the challenge.
Canizares, however, offered a defence of Owono by explaining the goalkeeper’s likely thought process and explained that they typically use their knees as protection and to help avoid collisions.
‘For me, the problem is that Owono uses excessive force, and he lacks the physical dexterity to pull himself back when he sees he’s won the duel.
‘He goes all out and goes all out until the end. That physical dexterity is key when only one of the two is contesting.
‘What happens in this case is that I think the momentum causes the knee to rise due to the force and excessive speed it brings.’
Andorra FC defender Lautaro Spatz has also defended his team-mate, writing that the goalkeeper has been ‘deeply affected’ by the tragedy.
‘There are moments when football loses its meaning. Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be,’ Spatz wrote in a statement shared on social media.
‘What we went through is something none of us will ever forget. A tragedy that has left us completely broken, speechless, and with a sadness that is difficult to explain.
‘First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences and all my love to Jesús’s family, friends, and loved ones, as well as to the entire Tenerife community and the entire football family. Since yesterday, the entire FC Andorra squad has been shocked, devastated, and deeply affected by what has happened. It is a tragedy we never imagined we would experience on a football pitch,’ he said.
‘I also want to say a few words to my teammate, goalkeeper, and friend, who is deeply affected by what happened. Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is. We know how much he is suffering right now and that he would never intend to hurt anyone.
‘In football, unforeseen events occur, but no one can imagine that one of them could end with such tragic consequences. Today, football doesn’t matter. All that remains is to offer our condolences, show the utmost respect, and send all our strength to the family and to all those suffering this terrible loss. Rest in peace, Demi.’
Police investigating De Miguel’s death are now probing the emergency medical response as well as the possibility rival goalie Jesus Owono’s horror tackle could be involuntary manslaughter.
‘It’s a goal-scoring opportunity, and what Owono has in his head is “I have to contest that ball,” ball or player,’ Canizares said.
