Football: Tenerife considers Owono suspension 'perhaps lenient'
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Business Day Nigeria, SeneNews, Punch and Daily Post
Equatorial Guinean goalkeeper Jesús Owono of FC Andorra has been suspended for 12 matches following a collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died the following day, on 3 November. Coach Álvaro Cervera believes the maximum sanction could appear insufficient given the consequences of the tragedy, according to Punch.
The disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation has handed Jesús Owono, 25, a 12-match suspension following his challenge on Jesús de Miguel, 30, during the match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on 2 November. The striker died the following day. The decision, announced on Friday, represents the highest penalty provided for under the regulations, Punch reports.
Disciplinary officials relied on the referee’s report, which described a kick to the opponent’s chest with the leg and excessive force while the ball was in play. However, the committee limited its examination to events that took place during the match. It also distinguished the sporting offence from any possible intention to deliberately cause injury, according to SeneNews.
Since the death, Owono has distanced himself from the first-team squad and stopped attending training sessions. He has also left social media after receiving insults and threats. This comes as Tenerife prepares for its first competitive fixture since the loss of its striker, against Ceuta.
Álvaro Cervera, 61, said his players were gradually returning to their usual training routines. He nevertheless highlighted the individual difficulties associated with grief: some may find football a way to take their minds off things, while others find it harder to return to competition.
