Tenerife Manager Calls Owono’s 12-Match Ban ‘Light’ Following De Miguel’s Tragic Death

Tenerife manager Álvaro Cervera has acknowledged that the 12-game suspension issued to FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono may feel lenient in light of the tragic passing of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.

The incident occurred on November 2 during the final moments of a Spanish second-division clash between FC Andorra and Tenerife. Owono, 25, received a red card following a collision with 30-year-old De Miguel, who tragically passed away the next day, sending shockwaves through both clubs and the wider football world.

On Friday, the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee handed Owono the maximum 12-match penalty allowed under current rules. In their ruling, officials clarified that their judgment could only evaluate the on-field foul itself—described in the referee’s report as “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play”—rather than the fatal aftermath.

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s match against Ceuta, which marks Tenerife’s first game since the tragedy, Cervera noted that the committee’s hands were tied by existing guidelines.

“I think that, just as in other areas of life, there are rules or laws that must be followed,” Cervera explained, as reported by BBC Sport. “Since the current regulations don’t specifically account for what happened, I believe they have simply adhered to the rules and imposed the number of matches permitted by the regulations.”

While keeping his deeper personal views private, the 61-year-old manager conceded the punishment feels inadequate. “It might seem a bit light when compared to other cases, but in reality, I don’t think the rules allow for anything else,” he added.

Cervera also opened up about the emotional toll the loss has taken on his squad as they attempt to resume their season. While the players appear steady during group training, he expressed concern over how they are processing their grief in private.

“When we’re together, we’re fine; during our sessions, we’re doing well,” Cervera said. “It feels like the group is gradually getting back to normal. What we don’t know is how everyone is doing when we’re apart, and that’s a significant factor. 

Everyone has their own way of coping and their own thoughts; some have people at home to support them, while others are more on their own.”

Admitting that recovery is a “very slow process,” Cervera noted he is unsure if his team is fully prepared for the emotional weight of returning to competitive action against Ceuta. He emphasized that while some players might view the match as a welcome distraction, others may struggle, adding that both responses are entirely natural as the club searches for a sense of normalcy.