From Jesús de Miguel to Raúl Jiménez: 5 cases where challenging for the ball endangered an opponent
The death of the Tenerife striker revives memories of the clash between David Luiz and Raúl Jiménez. Five other cases show how a challenge for the ball can end in a serious injury.
Jesús de Miguel died at 30 after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono near the halfway line in Monday's match on November 2. The referee sent the goalkeeper off and police opened an investigation to establish what happened.
In Mexico, the incident brought back what happened on November 29, 2020. David Luiz jumped to contest a corner kick and clashed heads with Raúl Jiménez. The Wolverhampton striker suffered a fractured skull and underwent emergency surgery. The play raises a question that goes beyond the Brazilian's intent: was it reasonable to challenge for that ball in that way?
Five plays that reopened the debate
1. Harald Schumacher and Patrick Battiston, 1982
In the World Cup semi-final between West Germany and France, Schumacher came off his line and flattened Battiston. The Frenchman suffered injuries to his teeth, ribs and a vertebra. The goalkeeper stayed in the match without punishment.
2. Stephen Hunt and Petr Čech, 2006
This is why the famous Chelsea goalkeeper began wearing his iconic head protection. Petr Čech dived to gather the ball and took the impact of Hunt's knee. He suffered a fractured skull, underwent surgery and returned three months later wearing the headgear that stayed with him for the rest of his career.
3. Gary Cahill and Ryan Mason, 2017
A clash of heads in Chelsea–Hull City fractured Mason's skull. The midfielder tried to come back but retired the following year, aged 26, on medical advice.
4. Sadio Mané and Ederson, 2017
Mané raised his foot to reach a pass and caught the Manchester City goalkeeper in the face. Ederson needed stitches and Mané was shown a straight red card. The forward apologised and described the collision as accidental.
5. Son Heung-min and André Gomes, 2019
After a tackle from Son, Gomes lost his balance and suffered a fracture-dislocation of the ankle. The referee sent off the Tottenham forward, and a disciplinary commission overturned the red card on appeal.
What the laws say
The laws allow a player to be sent off for using excessive force or endangering an opponent when challenging for the ball. How serious an injury is only becomes clear after the impact. The risk starts earlier, in the decision to come out, jump or raise a foot when the opponent is already there.
Sources: Reforma: Muere delantero de Tenerife tras choque con portero en campo · La Nación: Murió el futbolista de Tenerife Jesús de Miguel tras chocar contra el arquero de otro equipo · El Español: Muere Jesús de Miguel, última hora y reacciones
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