Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing a possible lengthy suspension after a shocking incident during his side’s 1–0 defeat to SD Huesca in Spain’s Segunda División.
The heated relegation derby descended into chaos deep into stoppage time when tensions boiled over following Huesca’s late winner scored by Óscar Sielva. Already booked, Andrada received a second yellow card after pushing an opponent and was sent off.
However, the situation escalated further moments later when the goalkeeper reportedly ran back onto the pitch and punched Huesca captain Jorge Pulido in the face, sparking a mass confrontation involving players from both sides.
The melee resulted in additional red cards, including dismissals for Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende, as officials struggled to restore order in a highly charged atmosphere.
Both clubs quickly condemned the incident. Real Zaragoza described the behaviour as unacceptable and inconsistent with the club’s values, stressing that disciplinary action would follow internally. The club also issued a strong statement reaffirming its commitment to respect, sportsmanship, and its responsibility to young fans who look up to the team.
Andrada later issued a public apology, admitting he “lost focus” in the heat of the moment and expressing regret over the impact of his actions on teammates, supporters, and the club. He also accepted responsibility for the incident and said he would accept any punishment imposed.
Huesca manager José Ángel Ziganda condemned the altercation as a “complete loss of control,” while acknowledging the intensity of the relegation battle. Zaragoza head coach David Navarro also apologised, stating that certain boundaries in football must never be crossed.
The incident comes at a critical stage of the season, with both clubs still fighting to avoid relegation and only five matches remaining. However, attention has now shifted from the pitch to potential disciplinary action, with Andrada likely to face a significant ban that could rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Zaragoza’s official statement further emphasised that the events “do not represent the values of the club,” describing the scenes as unacceptable and damaging to the image of football.
Football authorities are expected to review the incident, and a formal sanction is anticipated in the coming days.
Leave a comment