A Spanish-based footballer, Michael Owono, has revealed that he has been subjected to racist attacks, insults and threats following the death of Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel, after some people mistakenly identified him as the goalkeeper involved in the incident.

Michael, who plays for Spanish club CF Can Vidalet, said he had received numerous hateful messages because he shares a surname with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who was involved in the on-field collision that preceded De Miguel’s death.

The incident occurred during a match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra in Spain’s Segunda División. De Miguel died following a collision with the Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper, who had rushed out of his goal during the encounter.

CD Tenerife confirmed the striker’s death in a statement released on Tuesday, prompting widespread reactions across the football community.

According to reports, the collision happened in the middle of the pitch during added time, leaving De Miguel in need of urgent medical attention.

The 30-year-old striker had entered the match in the 57th minute, replacing his fellow Spanish forward, 40-year-old Enri Gallego.

Following the tragic incident, Michael Owono found himself at the centre of online abuse after some people confused him with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono because of their shared surname.

The CF Can Vidalet player expressed deep sadness over the situation, revealing that he had received a large number of messages containing racism, hatred, insults and threats despite having no connection with the incident.

In a statement published on his X account on Tuesday, Michael first offered his condolences to De Miguel’s family, friends and loved ones before addressing the mistaken identity that had exposed him to abuse.

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.”

Michael further condemned discrimination