The Spanish football federation has suspended Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches after he punched a Huesca player during a heated second-tier derby.
The disciplinary committee confirmed on Wednesday that Andrada and his club would also face financial penalties following the incident in which he was first sent off before allegedly attacking Jorge Pulido of SD Huesca during last Sunday’s match.
Of the suspension, 12 matches were imposed for the violent conduct, while one additional game ban was issued for the red card, effectively ruling Andrada out for the remainder of the season and dealing a major setback to Zaragoza’s relegation fight.
The 35-year-old, who is on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, initially shoved Pulido and received a second yellow card. The situation escalated when he ran back to strike the Huesca captain, triggering a stoppage-time brawl.
Following the incident, Andrada expressed regret, saying he was “very sorry” and acknowledged that his actions were damaging to the club, supporters, and his professional reputation.
In the aftermath, Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez received a four-match ban, while Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende was suspended for two matches after both were sent off during the altercation. Huesca went on to secure a 1-0 victory.
Zaragoza later condemned the incident, stating that the scenes were “unbecoming of football and should never have happened.”
