Real Zaragoza Goalkeeper Esteban Andrada Banned 13 Matches for Punching Opponent

Esteban Andrada has been banned for 13 matches after punching a player during a heated derby between Real Zaragoza and SD Huesca.

The incident happened at the end of Sunday’s Spanish second division match, which Zaragoza lost 1-0.

Andrada had already been sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time. Moments later, the Argentine goalkeeper ran towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face.

The action caused a mass fight between players from both teams. Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza player Dani Tasende were also sent off during the chaos.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) gave Andrada a 12-match suspension for the punch, in addition to the automatic one-match ban for his red card.

In its report, the RFEF said Andrada “ran and jumped” towards Pulido in a “violent and aggressive” way before hitting him with “excessive force”.

The federation added that the seriousness of the incident was enough to give him the maximum 12-match punishment. Both Andrada and Zaragoza will also face financial penalties.

Speaking after the match, Andrada admitted he was wrong and apologised for his actions.

“The truth is I am very sorry for what happened,” the 35-year-old said.

“It is not a good image for the club, the fans or for me as a professional. I also want to apologise to Jorge Pulido because it was my fault. I lost control in that moment.”

Zaragoza also released a statement condemning the incident and said the club would take disciplinary action.

The defeat left Zaragoza in the relegation zone alongside Huesca.