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A Spanish footballer, Michael Owono, has reported receiving racist abuse, insults and death threats after being mistaken for FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who was involved in the collision that led to the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
Michael, who plays for CF Can Vidalet, said people had targeted him because he shares a surname with the Andorra goalkeeper.
The 30-year-old De Miguel died on Tuesday after sustaining a serious head injury during a LaLiga 2 match between Tenerife and Andorra on Monday.
The incident occurred in stoppage time when goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his goal to intercept a ball and collided with De Miguel near the halfway line.
Reacting to the mistaken identity, Michael expressed sympathy for De Miguel’s family but denied having any connection with the incident.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, he condemned the abuse and said the messages had caused him considerable distress.
“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,” he said.
Michael also criticised the spread of racism and intolerance, insisting that no one should face abuse or threats because of their skin colour or place of origin.
“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,” he added.
He stressed that football should promote unity rather than hatred and discrimination, while thanking those who had offered him support.
His club, CF Can Vidalet, also condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the player.
In a statement, the club said it rejected every form of racism, defamation, insult and threat, describing the attacks against Michael as unjustified.
“Respect is non-negotiable. We stand with you,” the club added.
Meanwhile, Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following De Miguel’s death.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also announced that a minute’s silence would be observed at UEFA matches this week in honour of the late Tenerife striker.
