Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been suspended for 13 matches after punching a Huesca player during a heated Segunda Division derby.
The incident unfolded at full-time in Sunday’s clash between Real Zaragoza and SD Huesca. Andrada had already been sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time before sprinting towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and striking him in the face.
The punch triggered a mass confrontation involving players from both sides. Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende were also dismissed as tempers spilt over.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RSFF) confirmed a 12-match ban for violent conduct, added to the automatic one-match suspension for the red card.
“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada, 35, said.
“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.
“Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the penalty area.
“I also want to apologise to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault. I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me.”
Zaragoza, who remain in the relegation zone alongside Huesca after the 1-0 defeat, issued a statement saying the club “strongly condemns what happened” and will “take the appropriate disciplinary measures”.
