Late footballer De Miguel laid to rest as union calls for league matches to be postponed

MADRID - Family, friends and senior figures in Spanish football gathered on Thursday to bid farewell to Jesus de Miguel, the 30-year-old Tenerife player who was laid to rest in his hometown, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

He died on Tuesday after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with the opposing goalkeeper during a league match on Monday.

A preliminary autopsy report described the cause of death as an "accident-related chest injury”, the Canary Islands newspaper Canarias7 reported.

The funeral service was held in his hometown of Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo, southwest of Madrid.

Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán expressed his condolences to the family.

"It is an irreplaceable loss,” he said, adding that the tragedy should prompt further improvements to emergency care at stadiums.

"It is a very hard day. Football must be united today.”

Spain coach Luís de la Fuente also attended the service.

"Out of pain and sympathy, we extend our condolences and our respect. It is the best way to show that football is united. A firm embrace to all the relatives,” he told journalists.

The presidents of several major clubs, including Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez, also paid their last respects.

A memorial service will be held at Tenerife’s stadium on Saturday.

Spanish Cup matches scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were postponed following the player’s death.

The Spanish footballers’ union (AFE) has also called for all professional league matches this weekend to be cancelled.

"Because there are moments in which humanity, respect and solidarity matter more than any competition,” the union wrote on Instagram.

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who was sent off following the collision, said: "These are the hardest days of my life.”

Police are investigating a possible crime, but prosecutors say charges are unlikely. - BERNAMA