Jesus Owono says he is going through the most difficult days of his life after Tenerife forward Jesus De Miguel died following a collision during a Spanish second division match on Monday. The 25-year-old FC Andorra goalkeeper was sent off for the clash and has deactivated his Instagram account after receiving online abuse. Teammate Lautaro Spatz defended Owono, stating he would never intentionally hurt anyone.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation expressed support, noting Owono was in profound sorrow. Fans gathered at Tenerife's Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium to lay tributes as the club declared six days of official mourning. Meanwhile, Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono reported receiving racist abuse, confused with the Andorra player.
Spanish national police have opened a routine investigation into De Miguel's death. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at the ground. Tuesday's domestic Spanish games were called off, but Champions League matches proceeded, including Barcelona's 3-0 win over Aston Villa, where a minute's silence was held.
Brazilian striker Raphinha and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta paid tribute, with Arteta calling the incident absolutely heartbreaking and beyond words.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing