Esteban Andrada was already sent off for punching opposing captain Jorge Pulido in the face during the derby between Spain’s Real Zaragoza and Huesca on Sunday.
Real Zaragoza’s Esteban Andrada punches Huesca captain Jorge Pulido (Image: La Liga Hypermotion)
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been suspended for 13 games for punching an opponent in the face. Andrada, 35, sparked a huge brawl at the end of Zaragoza’s 1-0 loss to local rivals Huesca in Spain’s second division.
The goalkeeper, on loan from Mexican giants Monterrey, had just been sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time, when he sprinted towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed Andrada a 12-game suspension for the punch, in addition to his original one-game suspension for the sending off.
This means the Argentine could have played his final game for Zaragoza while his contract with parent club Monterrey expires in June. “Actually, I’m very sorry for what happened,” Andrada said after Sunday’s incident.
“It’s not a good image for the club or for the fans, especially for a professional like me. So I’m very disappointed. I’ve only received one red card in my career and that was for a handball outside the penalty area.”
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“I also want to apologize to Jorge Pulido, because we are colleagues. To be honest, it was my fault. I lost focus in that moment. No matter what the league brings me, I will be here.”
Teammate Dani Tasende was also sent off as a result of the scuffle. Zaragoza remain in the relegation zone of the Segunda División, with just three points at stake with five games remaining.
After Sunday’s defeat, the club issued a strongly worded statement condemning the scenes. Zaragoza said: “In the final moments of the match between SD Huesca and Real Zaragoza this Sunday at El Alcoras, we witnessed a scene that should never happen in this sport.
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Esteban Andrada was shown a red card before punching (Image: La Liga Hypermotion)
“These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or of the fans of Real Zaragoza, which throughout its history has been characterized by sportsmanship, courage and respect for opponents. We are role models and role models for many of our fans, especially our children, who cheer us on every match and aspire to one day become one of Zaragoza’s idols.
“That is why these disappointing images should never have been seen. The club strongly condemns what happened, an unacceptable desecration of a football match of special importance for this region. This is unacceptable. As for our player Esteban Andrada, the club will analyze the events that occurred and take appropriate disciplinary action.”
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