Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been left devastated following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, with team-mate Lautaro Spatz insisting the 25-year-old would never deliberately harm another player.
De Miguel, 30, died after sustaining a serious injury during a collision with Owono in Monday's Spanish second-division encounter between Tenerife and Andorra.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across European football, with a minute's silence being observed at matches throughout the week in memory of the striker, who was a father of one and joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025.
Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has publicly defended his team-mate, describing the emotional impact the incident has had on Owono.
In a social media statement, Spatz paid tribute to De Miguel while expressing concern for the goalkeeper's well-being.
"I also want to say a few words about my team-mate, goalkeeper and friend, who is deeply affected by what has happened," Spatz wrote.
"Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone."
Spatz also highlighted the unpredictable nature of football and the devastating consequences of what appeared to be an accidental collision.
"In football, unfortunate incidents can happen but no-one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences."
The incident occurred seven minutes into stoppage time at Tenerife's Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, with the two sides level at 2-2.
Owono rushed towards the centre circle in an attempt to clear a long ball, but his knee appeared to make contact with De Miguel during the challenge.
The Tenerife forward collapsed and remained motionless on the pitch as medical personnel rushed to provide emergency treatment.
De Miguel was subsequently transported by ambulance to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Owono received a red card following the collision, and the match was abandoned.
The goalkeeper, who had more than 30,000 Instagram followers on Tuesday morning, has since deactivated his social media account.
Spanish police have opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the striker's death.
Under Spanish law, deaths classified as non-natural automatically require a judicial investigation. The inquiry does not, by itself, establish criminal responsibility.
Owono, who has earned 47 international caps for Equatorial Guinea, has received support from his national football federation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Equatoguinean Football Federation said the goalkeeper was experiencing a "situation of profound sorrow and grief" following the incident.
Tenerife have confirmed a six-day official mourning period in honour of De Miguel, with all club activities suspended during that time.
Supporters gathered outside the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez on Tuesday to pay their respects, placing flowers and lighting candles beneath a black-and-white photograph of the late striker.
The club confirmed that players, coaching staff and officials will attend De Miguel's funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo.
Tenerife will also open their home stadium on Saturday evening, allowing supporters to gather and pay their final respects to the forward.
In a statement, the club shared a message from De Miguel's family, thanking the football community for its support while requesting privacy.
"Jesus de Miguel's family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and, from the bottom of their hearts, ask that their privacy be respected at this terrible time. May he rest in peace."
The tragedy has deeply affected both clubs and the wider football community, with tributes continuing for De Miguel as his family, friends and team-mates mourn his death.
