Andorra/">FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has defended goalkeeper Jesús Owono, saying his teammate is deeply affected by the death of Jesús de Miguel. The Tenerife player died the day after a collision with Owono during a match on Monday.
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving online abuse, including comments calling him a “murderer.” FC Andorra said it was providing psychological support to anyone at the club who needed it following De Miguel’s death.
In a social media post, Spatz said those close to Owono knew how much he was suffering and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone. He described the incident as an unfortunate event with tragic consequences and expressed condolences to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife.
Owono was sent off after rushing out of his goal and colliding forcefully with the 30-year-old, who later suffered a cardiac arrest. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation expressed support for the 25-year-old, describing him as being in profound sorrow and grief. Owono has made 47 appearances for the national team.
Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono also said he had received racist abuse from people who mistook him for the Andorra goalkeeper. Spanish national police have opened a routine investigation into De Miguel’s death. Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told EFE that criminal proceedings were “very unlikely.”
Barcelona forward Raphinha said the death made it difficult for him to play against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday. Spanish domestic matches were called off, while European fixtures went ahead. Barcelona held a minute’s silence before its 3-0 win, in which Raphinha scored twice.
Speaking to CBS Sports, Raphinha sent his support to De Miguel’s family and said the news had affected him personally. He added that De Miguel was the same age as him and that the incident could have happened to any player.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.