Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been hit with a 13-game ban for punching Huesca captain Jorge Pulido in Sunday’s Segunda Division clash between the Aragonese rivals.
Andrada lost his cool after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Pulido and ran back to him, striking him in the face, sparking a wild melee that resulted in the dismissals of Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza left-back Dani Tasende.
The disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) took a dim view of Andrada’s actions and today handed the 35-year-old a one-game ban for his sending-off, plus another 12 for the act of violence.
Jimenez has been handed a four-game suspension for his role in the flare-up while Tasende will have to sit out the next two games.
Andrada went ‘aggressively and violently’ towards Pulido
Referee Damaso Arcediano wrote in his report: “After being sent off for two yellow cards, the Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, before leaving the field of play, went violently and aggressively towards the Huesca player Jorge Pulido, running and jumping towards him while punching him in the face with excessive force. He knocked him to the ground and caused a bruise on his left cheekbone.
“As a result of these actions, there was a melee between the players and they had to be separated by members of the State Security Forces.”
Andrada, 35, was quick to issue an apology, telling Zaragoza’s social channels: “I really regret what happened. It’s not a good image for the club, for the people or for a professional like me. I really regret it. Throughout my career, I’ve only been sent off once when I handled the ball outside the area and you can see from my career path that it was an extreme situation where I crossed the line and I reacted like that.
“But I really regret it and I wouldn’t do it again because I know I’m a public figure, a professional with a career of many years. I also said sorry to Jorge Pulido because we’re colleagues and it was an action from me where I disconnected in that moment. I’m here for the consequences from the league or, if they want me to go and give explanations, I’m available for that.”
Andrada won’t play for Zaragoza again
Former Argentina international Andrada is on loan from Mexican side Monterrey and won’t play for Zaragoza again. There are just five games remaining in the Spanish second tier this season and his loan deal won’t be extended.
After the incident, Zaragoza released a statement that read: “We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred.
“These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans, who throughout its history have been characterised by sportsmanship, courage, and respect for the opponent.
“We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children, who cheer us on at every match and aspire to one day become one of their idols.
“That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen.”
The win for Huesca was vital in their bid to avoid relegation but it leaves Zaragoza in real trouble.
