Police and court review Tenerife match after forward dies

A 30-year-old CD Tenerife forward died in hospital on Tuesday 3 November. He had been hurt in a clash during Monday’s home match against FC Andorra. The National Police opened an inquiry on their own initiative after his death.

The clash came near the end of the match on 2 November, with the score at 2-2. The goalkeeper came out to challenge for a loose ball and was then sent off. The referee said he had raised his leg and used too much force while the ball was in play.

Both teams later told the referee they were not able to carry on. The match report says the game ended by agreement between the two sides.

Reports differ on the clash and medical care

The sources give different accounts of where the forward was hit. Andalucía Información says the blow was to his chest, while El Mundo says it was to his face.

They also differ on when CPR began. One report says medical staff started it on the pitch. Another, citing Marca, says he got a pulse back in the ambulance. Neither account has been confirmed as the sole version.

An ambulance took the player to Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He entered intensive care on Monday night. His club said on Tuesday morning that his brain condition had become worse. It later confirmed his death. The reports used here do not give a final cause of death.

Police and court checks are separate

The National Police Homicide Group opened its inquiry after the death. Police said the case had also entered the court system.

The Canary Islands High Court said the law requires a court review after any death classed as non-natural. That step does not mean police have found a crime or blamed anyone.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s chief prosecutor said a criminal case was very unlikely. He said the clash happened during play, though the family could still make a complaint.

A police union said ordinary courts would have to assess any claim of careless conduct. Lawyers quoted by ABC said the autopsy and the order of medical care could also matter. No court has reported a criminal finding or placed legal blame.

Football body also reviews the play

The Spanish Football Federation’s discipline panel was due to review the goalkeeper’s action on 4 November. Sources quoted by ABC expected a ban of 11 or 12 matches, but that was only an estimate. No sports penalty had been confirmed in the reports used here.

The footballers’ union said the player had served on its board. LaLiga, clubs and other football bodies also sent messages after his death.

Sources: Andalucía Información, El Mundo, elDiario.es, ABC and Diario de Cádiz.