Spanish police investigate player’s death following on-field collision

BARCELONA, Spain (AP):

Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after a footballer died following an on-field collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match.

Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, 30, died after suffering cardiac arrest following the incident, his club said yesterday.

De Miguel was challenging for the ball near midfield on Monday when he was struck in the chest by FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who had raced from the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to clear the ball. Owono was shown a straight red card for the challenge, which occurred in added time.

Spain’s National Police said yesterday that an investigation had been launched. Under Spanish law, deaths resulting from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely, noting that the collision occurred during the course of play.

De Miguel was taken to hospital and the match, which was tied 2-2 at the time, was abandoned following the incident.

The Canary Islands club said it was “heartbroken”.

‘Final farewell’

Tenerife’s largest shareholder, Rayco García, told reporters that De Miguel’s body would be transported to Navahermosa, in Toledo province, at the request of his family. He said teammates and club officials would be present for a “final farewell”.

García also said supporters would gather at the team’s stadium on Saturday to honour the player.

The club has requested the postponement of Saturday’s league fixture against Granada. It has also declared six days of mourning and suspended activities involving its first team, women’s team, and youth sides.

The collision occurred when Owono rushed well outside his penalty area and all the way to midfield in an attempt to reach a long ball that De Miguel was also pursuing.

De Miguel initially dropped to his knees while clutching his torso before falling onto his back with his arms at his sides.

Owono had begun walking off the field after receiving the red card but turned back and joined players who rushed to check on De Miguel.

There were no local media reports indicating that De Miguel had a pre-existing health condition. The precise medical cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”

Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish football federation, and La Liga.