A Spanish footballer has revealed that he has been subjected to racist abuse and threats online after being wrongly identified as the goalkeeper involved in the on-field collision that claimed the life of Jesús de Miguel.
Michael Owono, who plays for CF Can Vidalet, said the attacks began because he shares a surname with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who collided with the deceased striker during the match.
De Miguel, 30, died following the incident during a Segunda División encounter between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra.
The fatal collision happened in added time when goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel. The Tenerife striker was immediately attended to by medical personnel.
De Miguel had been introduced as a substitute in the 57th minute, replacing Enri Gallego.
Reacting to the development, Michael Owono condemned the attacks, describing the messages he had received as deeply hurtful.
He also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased footballer.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Owono clarified that he was not the goalkeeper involved in the incident and had no connection to the collision.
He wrote:
“First of all, I want to express my deepest condolences for the death of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, following the hard tackle he suffered in the match against FC Andorra. My condolences to his family, his loved ones, and everyone close to the player. In these difficult moments, all my support and affection are with them. Rest in peace, Jesús.
“Furthermore, I want to make it clear that I AM NOT JESÚS OWONO and that I have no connection with what happened. They are confusing me because of my surname, and as a result, I have received a large number of messages of hate, racism, insults and threats, which hurt me deeply and which I condemn in their entirety.
“We live in a society that is becoming sicker and sicker, where racism, hatred and intolerance seem to be gaining ground. We cannot allow anyone to be judged, insulted or threatened because of the colour of their skin or their origin. Respect, empathy and humanity should be above everything.”
Owono further called for an end to discrimination in football, insisting that the sport should promote unity rather than hatred.
He added:
“Football must unite, not divide. And hatred, harassment and discrimination have no place anywhere, neither in sport nor in life.
“Thanks to everyone who has shown me their support, who has worried about me, and who has defended me in these very hard moments. Truly, it is appreciated from the heart. For a world with more respect, less hate and more humanity,” the statement concluded.
His club, CF Can Vidalet, also came to his defence, condemning the attacks and expressing support for their player.
The club stated:
“From CF Can Vidalet, we condemn any manifestation of racism, defamation, insult, or threat. We express all our support to our player, who is receiving unjustified attacks due to a case of mistaken identity.
“Respect is non-negotiable. We stand with you.”
Meanwhile, Spanish police have commenced investigations into possible involuntary manslaughter in connection with De Miguel’s death.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has also announced that football matches under the organisation this week will observe a minute of silence in honour of the late striker.
Football clubs and players have continued to express condolences following the tragic incident.