Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has received a substantial 13-match suspension after striking an opponent in the face during his team’s loss last weekend to Huesca.
The former Argentina international was dismissed at the end of the match after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Huesca’s Jorge Pulido to the ground.
After being shown the red card, he ran back across the field and hit Pulido in the face, knocking him down again.
On Wednesday, the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) disciplinary committee confirmed that Andrada would face a 13-match ban: one match for the red card and an additional 12 for the punch.
As a result, Andrada is expected to have played his last match for Zaragoza, as he is set to return to Liga MX-side Monterrey, where he is on loan, at the conclusion of the season.
The incident, which involved Andrada’s punch, prompted an on-field brawl that also resulted in Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez being sent off for throwing an arm at an opponent, as well as Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende for kicking out during the scuffle.
In light of their actions, Jiménez has been handed a four-match suspension, while Tasende will serve a two-match ban.
The heated derby ended with tension as Huesca secured a 1-0 victory, with both teams currently battling in the relegation zone of the Spanish second division and in dire need of points.
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Following the match, Andrada expressed his remorse, stating, “I deeply regret what occurred. It did not reflect well on the club or my professionalism.
“In my career, I’ve only received one red card prior to this, which was for a handball outside the penalty area. I lost sight of the situation during a moment of high tension and reacted poorly. I wouldn’t do it again.
“I want to apologize to Jorge Pulido, as we are colleagues. I momentarily lost my composure, and I will accept any punishment from LaLiga.”
Zaragoza issued a brief statement on Sunday, “strongly condemning the incident” and committing to “taking appropriate disciplinary actions.”