Real Zaragoza have launched an internal disciplinary process against goalkeeper Esteban Andrada following his on-pitch assault during a heated Aragonese derby against SD Huesca, with the club confirming that sanctions are under review but stopping short of terminating his contract.
The controversy erupted in stoppage time of Sunday’s Segunda División relegation clash at El Alcoraz, which Huesca won 1-0. Tensions boiled over in the 98th minute when Andrada, already sent off after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Huesca captain Jorge Pulido, re-entered the field and struck Pulido with a right-hand punch, knocking him to the ground and sparking a mass confrontation.
The chaotic scenes escalated as Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez was also sent off for retaliating, while Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende received a red card following a VAR review. The incident quickly overshadowed what had been a high-stakes encounter between two regional rivals battling relegation.
In an official statement, Zaragoza condemned the incident in strong terms, distancing the club from the actions of their player. “From the club we categorically condemn what happened in that action that has stained in an unacceptable way a football match of special importance for our region, something that is inadmissible,” the statement read. The club added that it would “analyse the events that occurred and take the pertinent disciplinary measures,” signalling that a final decision on Andrada’s future remains pending.
Andrada has since issued a public apology in a video released by the club, expressing regret over his conduct. “I am very sorry for what happened. It is not a good image for the club, for the people and for a professional like I am,” he said. “I would not do it again because I am a public person and a professional with many years of career.” He also apologised directly to Pulido and indicated his willingness to face any disciplinary proceedings.
Head coach David Navarro also condemned the incident, making clear there could be no justification for the outburst. “Asking for forgiveness; there is no excuse for what has happened,” Navarro said. “It is going to be talked about more about the final outcome than the match. I want to understand the suffering of everyone and it does not justify and there is no way to grasp the action and I understand the tension, but I am sad about what has happened; there is no explanation, nor justification.”
The episode has drawn widespread criticism across Spanish football, with expectations that Andrada could face a significant suspension under federation rules governing violent conduct. Zaragoza, meanwhile, are continuing their preparations for upcoming fixtures amid uncertainty over the goalkeeper’s availability.
