Tuesday was a dark day in the sporting world, with Spanish second division side Tenerife confirming the death of forward Jesús de Miguel.
The 30-year-old’s passing came after he had gone into cardiac arrest, following a severe collision late in a 2-2 draw with Andorra on Monday with opposing goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The match was subsequently abandoned after Owono was given a red card.
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Local authorities have since confirmed that a routine investigation has been launched into possible involuntary manslaughter, with any potentially unnatural death automatically triggering a judicial inquiry, as per Spanish law.
The incident saw De Miguel struck by the knee of Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono -Credit:Getty Images
According to The Mirror, Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui has said that the likelihood of any criminal proceedings against Owono is low.
On Wednesday, 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international Owono, who recently closed down his Instagram account due to the level of abuse he was receiving, has broken his silence on the tragedy.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” he wrote via Sky News. “I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I know there will be many questions to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
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“But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
This comes after teammate Lautaro Spatz took to Instagram to not only share his sympathies following De Miguel’s tragic death, but also to clarify that it was not in Owono’s character to “intend to hurt anyone.”
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“There are moments when football loses its meaning,” he wrote. “Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be. What we went through is something none of us will ever forget.
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“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’ 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.
“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.
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“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.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
