Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada punched an opponent in the face AFTER he was shown a red card, and now faces severe disciplinary consequences. Tempers flared during his side’s clash with Huesca on Sunday when the shot-stopper saw red, but clearly still seething, he sought out opposition captain Jorge Pulido and struck him with his right hand, triggering a mass brawl.
The two clubs clashed in a derby fixture in Spain’s second division, with Andrada having received a second yellow card for shoving a Huesca player during stoppage time. It was moments later that he punched Pulido, with the ensuing melee resulting in Huesca keeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende also being dismissed. The Zaragoza custodian has been swift to accept responsibility for his behaviour and acknowledged he will face whatever punishment comes his way, with the league’s authorities and his club both expected to take action against him.
Andrada, 35, is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican outfit Monterrey. He said: “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. I also want to apologise 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.”
Huesca’s 1-0 victory saw them overtake Zaragoza, who have been left second from bottom and staring down the barrel of relegation to the third tier with just five matches remaining. Zaragoza have “strongly condemned what happened” and have made clear their intention to pursue disciplinary action against Andrada.
Their statement 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 characterized 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.”