Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada faces severe disciplinary action after punching a Huesca player in the face during a chaotic Spanish second division match — an incident that occurred after he had already been sent off.
The Argentine international received a second yellow card for pushing a Huesca player in stoppage time of a tense relegation battle. Immediately after, he sprinted toward Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and landed a punch to his face, sparking a mass brawl that led to two additional red cards.
Andrada later issued a public apology, admitting he "lost focus" and vowing to accept whatever punishment comes his way. "The truth is I'm very, very sorry for what happened," he said. "It's not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself."
Zaragoza condemned the violence in a statement, saying: "We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred. These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans." The club pledged to take "appropriate disciplinary measures."
Huesca manager Jose Luis described the moment as a "complete loss of control" and called it "ugly." He added, "This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football."
The match, which Huesca won 1-0 through an Oscar Sielva goal, leaves both teams in the relegation zone with five games remaining. Zaragoza head coach David Navarro also apologized, stating, "There are lines we can't cross."
Andrada, 35, who has four caps for Argentina, is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey.