The match between Real Zaragoza and Huesca escalated into second-half stoppage time after goalkeeper Esteban Andrada punched a player in the face after being sent off, leading to a brawl between the teams.
Esteban Andrada punches an opponent in the face (Image: La Liga TV)
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada punched an opponent in the face after being sent off and now faces serious disciplinary action.
Tensions boiled over and the shot-stopper was given his marching orders, but clearly still frustrated, he sought out Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and lampooned him with a right hand, sparking a huge brawl.
The two sides faced each other in a derby match in Spain’s second division, with Andrada receiving a second yellow card for shoving a Huesca player in stoppage time. Moments later he punched Pulido, and in the ensuing scuffle Huesca keeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also shown red cards.
The Zaragoza keeper quickly admitted his actions and admitted that he will deal with whatever punishment comes his way, with league authorities and his club likely to face disciplinary action.
Andrada, 35, who is currently on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey, said: “Actually, I’m very, very sorry for what happened. It’s not a good image for the club and for the fans, especially for a professional like me. So I’m very disappointed.”
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“In my career, I have only received one red card, and it was for a handball outside the penalty area. I would also like to apologize to Jorge Pulido, because we are colleagues. To be honest, it was my fault. I lost concentration in that moment. Well, no matter what the league brings me, I am here.”
Huesca won 1-0 and jumped over Zaragoza, who are in danger of being relegated to the third division, second from bottom with five games remaining. Zaragoza “strongly condemns what happened” and said it would take disciplinary action against Andrada.
The goalkeeper’s actions sparked a scuffle that involved not only players from both teams but also staff members (Image: La Liga TV)
“We witnessed scenes that are unbecoming of this sport and should never occur. These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans, which throughout its history have been characterized by sportsmanship, courage and respect for opponents,” the statement said.
“We are a role model and role model for many of our fans, especially our children, who cheer us on every game and hope to be one of their idols one day. That’s why we should never have seen such a disappointing display.”
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