Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has received a 13-match ban after he punched a Huesca player in the face. Andrada had previously been sent off after receiving a second yellow card at stoppage time of Sunday’s heated derby game in Spain’s second division.
The Argentine keeper subsequently stormed towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face. His actions led to a massive, fight, resulting to the dismissal of Huesca keeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende.
“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada, 35, said on Sunday after the game. “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 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.”
Andrada was suspended for 12 games, in addition to the initial automatic one-match ban for the red card. Meanwhile, Zaragoza remain in the relegation zone alongside Huesca following the 1-0 loss to Huesca. The club also released a statement, saying it “strongly condemns what happened” and will “take the appropriate disciplinary measures”.
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