Spanish police investigate after soccer player dies after collision on pitch

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after a soccer player died following an on-field collision with an opponent’s goal kick in a second division match.

Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel has died after suffering cardiac arrest following the collision on the pitch, his club said on Tuesday. He was 30.

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Miguel was challenging for the ball in midfield on Monday when he was tackled in the box by FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who ran in from the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to make a save. Owono received a straight red card for the incident which occurred in added time.

The country’s National Police said on Tuesday that an investigation had been opened. Under Spanish law, deaths 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 happened during the game.

Miguel was taken to the hospital and the match, with 2-2, was abandoned after the incident.

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The club in Spain’s Canary Islands said it was “heartbroken”.

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

On Saturday, fans will gather at the team’s stadium to honor the player, García said.

“We will all join forces and get through this together,” García said.

Club president Felipe Miñambres said the players and their families will likely need help coping with De Miguel’s death.

“We need professional help and the help of all our fans,” he said. “They will feel the same way we feel today.”

The club asked to postpone its league match in Granada on Saturday.

The heavy collision occurred when Owono ran from his area all the way to midfield to challenge a long ball that De Miguel was trying to reach.

Miguel initially curled up on his knees, clutching his torso for a few seconds before falling onto his back, arms falling to his sides.

Owono walked off the field after being shown the red card, but turned and joined the other players to look at De Miguel.

The goalkeeper’s Instagram account, which had almost 30,000 followers, was deactivated on Tuesday.

Another player with the same surname as Owono, Michel Owono, who plays for sixth division Spanish club Can Vidalet, has had a wave of racist insults leveled against him by people who think he was the Andorra goalkeeper.

Miguel, a Madrid native, started his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 and went on to play for a number of lower division clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year.

There were no local media reports about De Miguel having a pre-existing health condition. The exact medical cause of death was not immediately released.

Spanish media said Miguel is survived by his wife and daughter.

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

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

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.

Piqué said to X: “I’m sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

Real Madrid players observed a minute’s silence for De Miguel during training, while fellow topflight club Espanyol staged the presentation of their new coach.

Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé said on social media: “So much sadness. There are no words.”

Argentina great Lionel Messi said on Instagram: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool joined in offering their condolences on social media.

The Spanish Football Federation has canceled all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. UEFA said a moment of silence will be observed at all its matches this week.

Life-threatening injuries from collisions in football are extremely rare.

Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.

In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died of head injuries sustained in a collision during a match while playing for CSKA Moscow.

Malaga goalkeeper José Antonio Gallardo died in January 1987, more than three weeks after a collision with Celta Vigo forward Baltazar in a second division game.

Azzoni contributed from Madrid.