Spanish police have launched an investigation into the possible manslaughter of a footballer who died following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match. The investigation will examine whether the incident could lead to criminal charges against the goalkeeper.

The deceased player was 30-year-old Jesus de Miguel, a forward for Tenerife. His club confirmed on Tuesday that he died after suffering a cardiac arrest following the on-field collision.

The incident occurred on Monday during stoppage time. FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono ran towards the ball from the opposite direction while attempting to clear it and struck De Miguel in the chest. The referee immediately showed Owono a straight red card for the foul.

Spain's National Police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation had begun. Under Spanish law, deaths resulting from unnatural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.

Who is Jesus Owono?

The 25-year-old goalkeeper was born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, and moved to Spain during his childhood.

He began his football journey at the Antiguoko youth club in San Sebastian at the age of eight before joining Real Sociedad at 12. He moved to Alaves in 2017 and began his professional career with San Ignacio in 2019.

Owono returned to Alaves in 2021 and became the first footballer from Equatorial Guinea to play in La Liga.

He spent last season on loan at Andorra, keeping six clean sheets in 20 league appearances. In August, he signed a two-year contract with the club.

Owono made his international debut for Equatorial Guinea in March 2019, shortly after turning 18. He has played 46 matches for his country.

How did Owono react after the collision?

After the collision in the middle of the pitch, Owono initially walked towards the touchline without looking back at De Miguel, who was lying on the ground.

After receiving the red card, he shook hands with teammate Nacho Quintana and began leaving the field. However, when medical staff were called onto the pitch, he turned around and ran back to join the players surrounding De Miguel.

He remained on the field until club officials escorted him towards the tunnel. Meanwhile, De Miguel was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and rushed to an awaiting ambulance.

Videos shared online showed Tenerife supporters in the stands shouting "murderer" at Owono.

Why is the goalkeeper facing criticism?

Owono's challenge has been widely described by football followers as reckless and excessive.

Andorra were trailing 2-0 with only seven minutes of regular time remaining and were pushing forward in search of a comeback. Owono was positioned well outside his penalty area.

When Tenerife cleared the ball towards the halfway line, De Miguel appeared to have a clear run towards goal. Owono rushed forward and jumped to challenge for the ball before it bounced. His knee appeared to strike De Miguel in the chest and head.

Many social media users have called for Owono to be banned from football for life and face criminal charges. His social media accounts were flooded with abusive and racist comments, including accusations that he was a murderer. His Instagram account, which had around 30,000 followers, was deactivated on Tuesday.

Can Spanish football authorities punish Owono?

Under the disciplinary regulations of the Spanish Football Federation, players whose violent conduct causes serious injury to opponents can face suspensions ranging from four to 12 matches.

The authorities are expected to assess the challenge and the circumstances surrounding it before deciding on any disciplinary action.

Could the goalkeeper face criminal charges?

Police investigators in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have begun examining the circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death, including the possibility of involuntary manslaughter.

However, Jose Luis Sanchez-Hauregui, chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely because the collision occurred during a football match.

Any criminal charge would depend on whether Owono's challenge meets the legal threshold for criminal negligence.

Article 142 of Spain's Penal Code distinguishes between manslaughter caused by gross negligence and that caused by less serious negligence. Gross negligence can carry a prison sentence of up to four years, while less serious negligence can result in a fine.

Football community mourns De Miguel

Tenerife's majority shareholder, Rayco Garcia, told reporters that De Miguel's body would be taken to Navahermosa in Toledo province at the family's request. Teammates and club officials are expected to attend his final farewell.

Garcia said supporters would gather at the club's stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to the deceased footballer.

Club president Felipe Minambres said De Miguel's teammates and their families would likely need professional support to cope with the tragedy.

De Miguel, who was born in Madrid, began his senior career with Leganes B in 2015 before playing for several lower-division Spanish clubs. He joined Tenerife last year.

There had been no reports of any pre-existing health problems, and the exact medical cause of his death had not been immediately disclosed.

Spanish media reported that he is survived by his wife and daughter.

Several clubs, the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga expressed condolences. Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, who owns FC Andorra, also paid tribute.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and several other football stars and clubs expressed their condolences. A minute's silence was observed at several Champions League venues in his memory.