The Spanish football federation has banned Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches after he punched a Huesca player in the face.
The federation’s disciplinary committee in a statement said both the Argentina international and his club would also be fined, after he was first sent off and then “attacked” Huesca’s Jorge Pulido in the second tier derby clash last Sunday.
Andrada was issued a 12-match ban for the punch itself, while his initial red card carries an automatic one-match ban, this rules him out for the rest of the season a blow to Zaragoza’s hopes in their battle to avoid relegation.
The 35-year-old, on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, shoved over Pulido and was shown a second yellow card for the incident.
Andrada became enraged, ran to hit Pulido. His action sparked a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.
“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”, said Andrada after the incident.
Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off in the aftermath of the brawl, with hosts Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende two.
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