Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada will likely miss up to 12 matches after punching Huesca player Jorge Pulido in the face during a Spanish second-tier derby on Sunday.
The 35-year-old Argentina international was already sent off for pushing Pulido over in stoppage time. But instead of leaving the pitch, Andrada ran back and struck Pulido, triggering a full brawl. Huesca's Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende were also sent off in the chaos. Huesca won the match 1-0.
Andrada, on loan from Mexican club Monterrey, will face the automatic one-match ban for his red card plus up to 12 additional matches for the punch itself. The Spanish football authorities will decide the exact length of the suspension.
Zaragoza released a statement condemning the incident. "We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred," the club said. "The club strongly condemns what happened in that moment, which has unacceptably tarnished a football match of special importance for our region."
The club added that it would analyse the events and take appropriate disciplinary action against Andrada. The incident comes at a critical time for both sides, as Zaragoza and Huesca are battling relegation to Spain's third tier. The derby loss leaves Zaragoza in deeper trouble in their fight for survival.
Spanish football's disciplinary committee will review the incident and announce Andrada's final ban within the next week.
