The Canary Island of Tenerife is in mourning following the death of striker Jesus de Miguel, 30, from injuries sustained in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday. De Miguel, who scored 11 goals in his first season as Tenerife earned promotion to Spain's second tier, died on Tuesday.
Stadium becomes shrine
The Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium has turned into a shrine, with hundreds of fans gathering to lay flowers, light candles, and leave bouquets, scarves, and children's drawings outside gate nine. Visiting English supporters Lisa and Lee from Stoke-on-Trent described the atmosphere as sombre and silent, returning on Wednesday to place a Port Vale shirt among the tributes. "Football has no colours," Lisa said.
Club and community grief
Carlos, a player with Tenerife's disability side Tenerife Foundation, called De Miguel a legend who gave his heart and soul for the club. Canary Islands minister for education and sport Poli Suarez said the island was in "complete mourning" and pledged government support. A further tribute is planned for Saturday at 18:00 GMT.
