Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been handed a 13-match suspension following a violent incident that occurred during Real Zaragoza’s heated derby clash against SD Huesca in Spain’s second division.
The Zaragoza shot-stopper was initially sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card during Sunday’s ill-tempered encounter.
However, the situation escalated moments later when Andrada ran towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face, sparking a mass confrontation between players from both sides.
The Spanish football federation has since imposed a 12-match ban for the act of violent conduct, which is considered a serious breach of discipline. This sanction is in addition to the automatic one-match suspension for his red card, bringing the total punishment to 13 matches.
The altercation led to further dismissals, with Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende also shown red cards as tensions boiled over in the closing stages of the match.
Fallout from a Heated Derby
The match itself ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Huesca, but the result was overshadowed by the chaotic scenes that followed. Both teams remain locked in the relegation zone, adding further pressure to an already intense fixture that carries regional significance.
Andrada, 35, issued a public apology shortly after the incident, expressing regret over his actions and acknowledging the damage caused to his team and professional image.
“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened. It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry. Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the penalty area.”
Esteban Andrada, Real Zaragoza Goalkeeper
He also issued a personalized apology to the Huesca captain he punched in the game. “I also want to apologize to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault. I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me.”
His comments reflect a rare lapse in discipline for a player who has largely maintained a clean record over his career.
Nonetheless, the severity of the punishment underlines the governing body’s zero-tolerance stance on violent conduct.
Real Zaragoza also moved swiftly to distance the club from the incident. In a statement released shortly after the match, the club said it “strongly condemns what happened” and confirmed that internal disciplinary measures would be taken against the player.
The ban represents a significant setback for Zaragoza as they battle to avoid relegation. Losing an experienced first-choice goalkeeper for 13 matches could have major implications for their survival hopes in the league.
The incident added to the emotional intensity of a rivalry already marked by fierce competition. While Huesca secured all three points, the fallout from the clash may carry consequences beyond the pitch, particularly with multiple players facing suspensions.
Spanish football authorities have increasingly taken a firm approach to maintaining discipline, especially in high-stakes matches where tensions can quickly escalate. Andrada’s case is likely to serve as a warning to players across the league about the consequences of losing control in critical moments.
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