Police probe clash as Spanish striker dies, fans call keeper murderer
In the deserted stands of the Heliodoro stadium, Tenerife supporters shouted “murderer” as Andorra FC goalkeeper Jesus Owono was escorted off the pitch.
Homicide police launched a formal investigation on 3 November 2026 into the on‑pitch collision that caused the death of a Spanish footballer.
Police open homicide investigation
The Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife confirmed they are now leading the probe.
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, 30, died early this morning after a flying kick to his chest from Owono.
The challenge occurred moments before the match in Spain’s second division was abandoned and Owono received a red card.
Tragic death and immediate reactions
Owono, 25, is described as “deeply upset” and has said he intends to apologise to De Miguel’s family.
De Miguel had been admitted to intensive care following the tackle, but his condition worsened overnight and he suffered cardiac arrest before passing away.
Tenerife issued a statement confirming the striker’s death and expressing solidarity with his devastated family and the island’s community.
Goalkeeper’s response and legal outlook
Goalkeeper Jesus Owono insisted there was “no intention to cause harm” after his challenge led to the fatal injury.
Tenerife mourns as Jesus de Miguel collapses in fatal clash
Journalist Iván Alvarez reported on COPE radio that Owono planned a personal apology to the family before the death was announced.
Alvarez added that Owono and Andorra FC closed the goalkeeper’s Instagram account after receiving “murderer” chants and abusive messages.
The goalkeeper told reporters that he would first contact Jesus de Miguel’s family privately before making any public statement.
Footage from the stands showed Owono clashing with supporters as he made his way off the pitch.
The striker was struck in the chest by Owono’s flying knee while attempting to clear the ball near the halfway line.
Expert sports lawyer Miguel Galan said the Supreme Court’s doctrine treats excesses during play as matters for sporting, not criminal, sanctions.
Reports in Spain suggest Owono is likely to avoid criminal sanctions, with any penalty confined to sporting suspension.
Spanish club Tenerife faces tragedy after player collapses on pitch
The AS newspaper noted that disciplinary rules prescribe a suspension of four to twelve games for violent conduct causing serious injury.
A later report narrowed the expected ban to between eight and twelve games.
Owono is a current Equatorial Guinea international who has earned 44 caps and played at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The 25‑year‑old grew up in the Basque Country after moving to San Sebastian at eight years old.
He progressed through Real Sociedad’s youth academy before joining Alavés at sixteen.