Goalkeeper Banned 13 Games After Punch Sparks Brawl in Spanish Second Division

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has handed a heavy sanction to Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, banning him for 13 matches after he punched an opponent on the pitch. The incident occurred during a Spanish Second Division (La Liga 2) derby between Zaragoza and Huesca, where Andrada received a second yellow card in the 99th minute. Instead of leaving the field, he lunged and punched Huesca captain Jorge Pulido in the face, sparking a chaotic brawl.

RFEF's Disciplinary Committee ruled that Andrada's conduct merited a maximum 12-match ban, plus an automatic one-match suspension for the red card. The blow sent Pulido to the ground, triggering a melee involving players and staff from both sides. Andrada later apologized but could not avoid the federation's severe penalty.

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez was also suspended for four matches for retaliating against Andrada during the chaos and was sent off. Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende received a two-match ban for kicking an opponent after a VAR review of the brawl.

Additionally, Rayo Vallecano's Isi Palazon was handed a seven-match ban for an abusive reaction toward the referee during a 3-3 draw with Real Sociedad last weekend. Palazon, who had been substituted, reacted furiously from the bench, resulting in a red card.

The sanctions are subject to appeal, as per RFEF's decision.