The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation has handed down a 13-match suspension to Esteban Andrada, the Real Zaragoza goalkeeper, for his assault on Huesca player Jorge Pulido during last weekend’s Aragonese derby.
After receiving a second yellow card for a push on Pulido, the goalkeeper punched the opposing player, causing visible swelling on his cheekbone. The disciplinary body ruled that 12 games are for the act itself, plus an additional game for the red card.
The incident sparked a brawl involving several players. Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez was also sanctioned with a 4-match ban for throwing another punch during the confrontation between both clubs’ players. Meanwhile, Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende received a two-game suspension.
According to the ruling, the basis for Andrada’s punishment lies in Article 103 of the regulations: “Aggressing another person, without causing injury, with the determining factor of intent being weighed—especially when the action occurs while play is stopped or at a distance where it is impossible to intervene in a game situation—shall be punished with a suspension of four to twelve matches.” The committee imposed the maximum penalty, but did not add the aggravating factor of injury that would have sidelined the opponent, which could have increased the ban.
The resolution cites “aggravating concurrent circumstances,” such as “the aggressive conduct occurring while play was stopped.” It further notes that “instead of leaving the field, the player adopted an aggressive attitude and voluntarily ran towards the rival captain, jumped at him, and punched him.” The committee concludes that “the minimal premeditation required to move to the victim’s position, combined with the excessive force used as stated in the match report, constitutes specific intent, evaluated as a primary aggravating factor.”
Match referee Dámaso Arcediano recorded the incident in his report: “After being sent off for a second yellow card, Real Zaragoza player No. 1, Esteban Maximiliano Andrada, before leaving the pitch, violently and aggressively went towards Huesca player Jorge Pulido Mayoral, running and jumping at him while landing a punch to the face with excessive force, knocking him to the ground and causing a bruise on his left cheekbone. This led to a brawl among players, requiring restraint by members of both teams and State Security Forces before being escorted to the dressing room.”
With this 12-match ban, plus the suspension resulting from the double yellow card, Andrada will miss the remainder of the season with Zaragoza. The player apologized after the match, as did both clubs for the shameful spectacle.
Zaragoza also loses Tasende for the next two games, while Huesca will be without Jiménez for four of the remaining five matches.
