Zaragoza netminder receives 13-match suspension for striking rival player

The Spanish football federation imposed a 13-match ban on Real Zaragoza's Esteban Andrada on Wednesday, following his altercation with a Huesca player during a match last Sunday.

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This disciplinary action was taken after the federation's committee reviewed the incident, in which the Argentina international punched Huesca's Jorge Pulido in the face, resulting in a red card and additional fines for both Andrada and his club.

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Andrada's ban consists of a 12-match suspension for the punch and an automatic one-match ban due to his initial red card, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season and impacting Zaragoza's chances of avoiding relegation.

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The 35-year-old goalkeeper, currently on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, was involved in a heated exchange with Pulido, shoving him to the ground and earning a second yellow card, which led to his ejection from the game.

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In the aftermath of the incident, Andrada expressed remorse, stating that he was "very, very sorry" for his actions, acknowledging that his behavior reflected poorly on the club, its fans, and his own professional reputation.

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Additionally, Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende were also ejected from the game, with Jimenez receiving a four-match ban and Tasende a two-match suspension, as Huesca secured a 1-0 win despite the chaos.

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Zaragoza released a statement on Sunday, condemning the incident and expressing disappointment, saying that the events that transpired were "unbecoming of this sport and should never have occurred".