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Jesús Owono, the FC Andorra goalkeeper involved in the on-pitch collision with Jesús de Miguel that led to the Tenerife striker's death, has spoken out about the "immense pain" he is experiencing in the aftermath of the tragedy.
De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest following the heavy contact with Owono during Monday's La Liga 2 fixture. The 30-year-old attacker was revived and briefly stabilized, but his condition remained critical and he died the next morning after his health took a turn for the worse.
Owono deactivated his Instagram account in response to the online abuse he received, prompting Andorra teammate Lautaro Spatz to come to the goalkeeper's defense.
"Those of us who know [Owono] understand the kind of person he is, how deeply he is suffering right now, and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone," Spatz said. "Accidents happen in football, but nobody can fathom that one of them could end with such devastating consequences."
Owono has since shared his personal grief through a statement released by his club.
"These are the hardest days of my life," he said. "I'm struggling to find the right words, and it's incredibly difficult for me to come to terms with everything that has happened. I feel an immense pain over the loss of Jesús. My thoughts are with him, his family, and all those who loved him.
"I know there will be many questions to answer, and I will face whatever comes with the greatest respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesús and the pain we are all going through. Rest in peace, Jesús."
FC Andorra also called on "everyone to show the utmost sensitivity and respect."
Jesus Owono 'Very Unlikely' to Face Prosecution
Although an investigation into De Miguel's death has already been launched as part of standard procedure, Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sénchez-Jáuregui has indicated that criminal proceedings are "very unlikely," as reported by Spanish news agency EFE.
Owono was shown a red card due to the reckless nature of the 50/50 challenge, but there is no indication of any deliberate intent to harm his opponent.
The Times notes that, under Spanish law, "injuries occurring during the run of play fall under the concept of accepted sports risk. Criminal liability typically applies only if there is deliberate assault, intentional violence outside the rules of engagement, or an attack carried out while play is stopped."
Owono is more likely to face disciplinary measures from Spain's soccer federation (RFEF), which could hand down a suspension of between four and 12 matches for reckless and dangerous conduct.