Goalkeeper who punched opponent learns punishment and releases statement

Callum Vurley
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:06:45 +0000

Real Zaragoza's season has just taken a massive hit after goalkeeper Esteban Andrada was slapped with a 13-match ban for punching Huesca captain Jorge Pulido square in the face.

The Spanish Football Federation announced the punishment today, and it's a hefty one – the 35-year-old Argentine won't kick another ball this campaign.

It all kicked off during Sunday's fiery second-tier derby between the Aragonese rivals, which Huesca won 1-0.

The federation's disciplinary committee confirmed that both Andrada and the club will face fines on top of the lengthy suspension.

The former Argentina international is currently on loan from Mexican outfit Monterrey.

So what actually happened? Andrada picked up a second yellow card in the 99th minute for shoving Pulido to the ground.

But instead of heading down the tunnel, the keeper completely lost his head.

He charged back towards the Huesca skipper and struck him in the face, setting off absolute chaos on the pitch.

The brawl was so serious that state security forces had to step in, restraining Andrada and escorting him to the dressing room.

Esteban Andrada, hoy arquero del Zaragoza, fue EXPULSADO, SE VOLVIÓ LOCO Y LE PEGÓ UNA PIÑA en la cara al capitán del Huesca.

INSÓLITO TODO. 😳🇦🇷🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/7wfO12gMFi
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) April 26, 2026

The disciplinary committee decided his actions deserved the maximum 12-match punishment for the violent conduct, plus an automatic one-game ban for the initial sending off.

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez was also dismissed after punching Andrada during the melee.

Andrada 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."

The timing couldn't be worse for Zaragoza, who are sitting second-bottom and desperately fighting to stay in the division.

Jimenez picked up a four-match suspension for his part in the fracas, while Zaragoza left-back Dani Tasende was handed a two-game ban after VAR caught him kicking an opponent during the mayhem.

The club released a statement on Sunday saying: "We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred."