Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Andrada gets 13-game ban after punching opponent

The Spanish football federation has banned Real Zaragoza’s goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches after he punched a Huesca player in the face.

The federation’s disciplinary committee said the former Argentina international and his club would also be fined, after Andrada was first sent off then “attacked” Huesca’s Jorge Pulido in the second-tier derby last Sunday.

Andrada was given a 12-match ban for the punch, and his initial red card carries an automatic one-match ban. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season, dealing a blow to second-bottom Zaragoza’s hopes of avoiding relegation.

The 35-year-old, on loan from the Mexican side Monterrey, shoved over Pulido and was shown a second yellow card. Andrada then became enraged, running to hit Pulido and sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.

“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” said Andrada afterwards. “It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself.”

Huesca’s goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off in the aftermath of the brawl, with Huesca holding on for a 1-0 home win. Jiménez was banned for four matches and Tasende two.

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” Zaragoza said on Sunday.

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