A goalkeeper channelled his inner Mike Tyson as he floored an opposition defender with a devastating right hook in Spain’s second division, sparking a huge brawl.
Real Zaragoza stopper Esteban Andrada is facing punishment after punching Huesca defender Jorge Pulido in the face during the Aragonese derby.
His antics set off a massive melee which also saw opposition goalie Dani Jimenez as he lashed out at Andrada with a retaliatory punch on the back of his head.
‘I’m 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, so I’m very sorry.
‘Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the area. It was a critical situation where I lost my focus and reacted that way.
‘I’m very sorry and I won’t do it again because I know that I’m a public figure, a professional with many years in my career, and I also want to apologize to Jorge Pulido because we’re colleagues.
A goalkeeper floored an opponent in the Spanish second division, sparking a mass brawl
Real Zaragoza goalie Esteban Andrada apologised after punching Huesca’s Jorge Pulido during a relegation-fraught Aragonese derby
The match descended into a brawl, with two more players being sent off in the fracas
What punishment do you think is fair for violent conduct like this in professional football?
‘Honestly, it was my own fault; I lost my focus at that moment, and well, I’m here for whatever consequences the league may give me, or if they want me to come and give explanations, I’m available for that.’
It was an ugly episode which dragged an already tension-fraught game into the gutter, with both sides stuck in the relegation zone with five games to go.
Relegation would be particularly shocking for Zaragoza, sleeping giants who were last in LaLiga in 2013, but also a blow to Huesca, who were in the top flight as recent as 2021.
Andrada was sent off moments before the punch with a second yellow as he pushed Pulido to the floor.
Once Pulido was up, the Argentinian goalkeeper chased him down and unleashed a wicked strike to the face.
Dozens of players and staff were involved in the ensuing scuffle. Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende was also dismissed before Huesca won the match 1-0.
Andrada, 35, has four caps for Argentina and is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey.
‘It’s hard to explain. I think it’s a complete loss of control,’ said Huesca manager Jose Luis.
‘I can put myself in their shoes, given what was at stake and all. But it’s unjustifiable.
‘It’s ugly. This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football. I’d like people to talk about the match, even though it was ugly, with little play but a lot of hard work.’
‘It’s all regrettable. There are lines we can’t cross,’ added Zaragoza boss David Navarro.
