Jesús de Miguel, a forward for CD Tenerife, has died after suffering cardiac arrest following a violent on-field collision during a Spanish second-division match.
The Tenerife forward was chasing a ball near midfield when he was struck in the chest by onrushing Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, sending de Miguel to the ground.
An opposing player noticed de Miguel was in distress and quickly signalled to the sideline for help, as several others gathered around to assist.
Tenerife said that de Miguel’s pulse was restored during the ambulance ride to the hospital, however, the player’s condition had “worsened neurologically” and he later died. De Miguel was 30 years old.
After de Miguel was taken to hospital, the match — which had been tied 2-2 — was abandoned.
Owono received a straight red card for the challenge and was ejected from the game.
What did de Miguel’s team say?
CD Tenerife issued a statement on Tuesday morning, expressing heartbreak over the situation.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel Alameda,” the team said in a statement on social media, translated from Spanish.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness. We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of tinerfeñismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome.
“The family of Jesús de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments.”
Andorra also offered its “deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife.”
Several clubs from across Europe, including Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool, paid tribute to de Miguel on social media and with moments of silence during their training sessions on Tuesday.
Will there be charges against Jesus Owono?
But a suspension may be the least of the worries for the goalkeeper, who could now potentially be facing criminal charges over the incident.
Spanish Police reportedly have opened an involuntary manslaughter investigation into the incident against Owono, though criminal liability has yet to be established.
According to Sky Sports News, police say that “proceedings have been opened and prosecutors also will be involved.”