Carles Manso Rubio, coach of the Spanish second division club Andorra, confirmed on Thursday that the team's goalkeeper, Jesus Auno, from Equatorial Guinea, is in a difficult psychological state, after he caused the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel after a violent collision with him during a match last week.
The young coach, Manso (34 years old), said during a press conference: “Jesus is very affected by what happened, and he of course had no intention of causing the accident that occurred as a result of the collision, which ultimately turned into a tragedy that he will, unfortunately, have to learn how to live with.”
The 25-year-old international goalkeeper from Equatorial Guinea had missed training and matches, waiting for a decision to be issued regarding his suspension, after he published a statement in which he confirmed that he was going through the “most difficult days” of his life, as a result of his violent collision with striker Di Miguel, who died hours after he was taken to the hospital at the age of 30.
The Andorra club coach added: “We give him the necessary space and time, and we leave him complete freedom to make any decision he deems appropriate, whether to return to the team or not, and at the time he deems appropriate, when he feels that he is truly ready.”
The Andorra team is preparing to resume its matches in the second division on Saturday against Almeria, in the absence of Auno, who has not participated in training since the accident.
According to the local press, the international goalkeeper faces the possibility of being subjected to a severe sporting punishment, in addition to the possibility of being brought before the court on charges of “involuntary manslaughter as a result of negligence.”
A police source confirmed to Agence France-Presse last Tuesday that an investigation into the incident had been opened under judicial supervision, without clarifying whether the investigation was directly targeting Owono.
In a related context, the De Miguel family expressed their great affection and gratitude after receiving donations worth more than 210,000 euros ($232,000) through an electronic campaign.
In a statement published by the Spanish Footballers' Association, the player's family thanked "from the bottom of the heart" all the people who contributed to the donation campaign launched by Di Miguel's former teammate Fran Sol, which raised more than 213,000 euros.
The family’s statement said: “We were deeply touched by the large number of people who stood in solidarity with us and supported this initiative. We extend our special thanks to Fran Sol for launching the donation campaign, and to everyone who contributed to it, or sent us messages of support and condolences.”
She added: “Thank you for standing by our side, and for your solidarity and support during this difficult stage.”
Chad Bronstein, co-founder of the Real American Freestyle organization, said that the organization hopes that Merab Dvalishvili, the former UFC bantamweight champion, will participate in the organization’s competitions in Abu Dhabi next Saturday, despite his involvement in a brawl in a hotel, adding that the organizer is cooperating with the local authorities.
Abu Dhabi Police said they arrested 10 people on Thursday following a quarrel at the entrance to a hotel. Media reports and online videos indicated her connection to Davalishvili and Professional Fighters League lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Reuters contacted Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov to obtain comment.
Bronstein told reporters: “It is clear that Othman will not attend our event on Saturday evening... We hope that Merab will participate.” “He has traveled here and proven to be an amazing competitor in the organization’s competitions.”
Video clips widely circulated on social media showed Dvalishvili giving an interview in the lobby of a hotel when Nurmagomedov and others approached him from behind.
Nurmagomedov appeared to slap Dvalishvili in the face, sparking a quarrel between the two groups.
The police said in a statement: “The Abu Dhabi Police General Command was able to arrest eight people who were involved in a quarrel that took place at the entrance to a hotel, against the backdrop of previous disputes between them.”
The statement added: “I also arrested two people who filmed the incident, and the necessary legal measures were taken against them.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke, CEO of the German club Borussia Dortmund, called on the team's midfielder Felix Nmecha to reconsider his controversial goal celebration, after the criticism he raised among the club's fans.
Watzke said, while participating in an audio blog, that he had a video call with Nmecha while the player was with the German national team, to discuss the celebration he performs by kneeling and taking off an imaginary crown from his head and placing it on the field.
He added: “If you realize that this is dividing the fans, perhaps you will have the insight to simply stop doing it,” noting that the player promised to think about the matter.
Watzke stressed that the Dortmund administration does not seek to ban religious expressions or punish players because of their beliefs, saying: “No one here wants to ban anything, and no one wants to punish. We rely more on understanding.”
Nmesha had explained that his celebration had a religious significance, as it symbolized placing his crown before Christ, whom he described as the source of his hope and strength.
The celebration sparked criticism because the reference was linked to the “Players for God” network, which was founded in 2015 and includes Christian football players, and some of its members were criticized for statements that were considered anti-gay, bisexual, and transgender.
Watzke stressed that the core values of Borussia Dortmund do not correspond to the principles adopted by the network.
Nmeesha had previously faced criticism for religious posts on social media that were considered homophobic, but he denied the accusations.
