Esteban Andrada 13-match ban after punching Huesca captain ends Zaragoza season
Spanish FA hands Esteban Andrada a 13-match suspension and fines after he struck Huesca’s Jorge Pulido in the April 26, 2026 derby, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been suspended for 13 matches by the Spanish Football Federation after he punched SD Huesca captain Jorge Pulido late in the Aragon derby on April 26, 2026, effectively ending his season. The disciplinary committee ruled that 12 matches were for the violent act itself and a further automatic one-match ban followed from his red card, with additional fines imposed on the player and his club. The decision has been confirmed by multiple national outlets and marks one of the most severe punishments in recent Segunda División incidents. (elpais.com)
Spanish FA issues 13-match suspension
The Federation’s committee applied a two-part sanction: a 12-match suspension for the punch and a separate one-match ban triggered by the sending-off, plus monetary penalties for both Andrada and Real Zaragoza. The ruling leaves Andrada unavailable for the remainder of the season and into the opening fixtures thereafter, depending on the club’s remaining calendar. Officials described the punishment as proportionate to the nature of the aggression and the need to deter similar conduct in the competition. (as.com)
Derby brawl erupted after red card on April 26, 2026
The incident occurred in stoppage time of the Segunda División fixture at El Alcoraz, when Andrada, having been shown a second yellow, pushed Huesca’s Pulido to the ground and then struck him in the face. The blow set off a mass confrontation involving players from both sides and led to further dismissals before the match finished 1-0 in favour of the hosts. The sequence of events was widely circulated on social media and reviewed by match officials in the immediate aftermath. (straitstimes.com)
Referee report and video evidence reviewed
Match reports and the official game sheet noted the initial second yellow card for Andrada and recorded the subsequent physical assault as aggression. Video footage, which circulated on broadcast highlights and social channels, was a key factor cited by disciplinary authorities when determining the length of the suspension. The referee’s written report and the available clips were referenced by the committee to establish intent and the degree of force used, strengthening the case for an extended ban. (elpais.com)
Sanctions for other players and club statement
Disciplinary action was not limited to Andrada; Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez received a four-match ban for his role in the melee, and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende was handed a two-match suspension following the VAR review and post-match report. Real Zaragoza was also fined and issued a formal warning by the Federation for failing to control its players during the fixture. The club released a statement condemning the conduct, saying the scenes were “unbecoming” of the sport and pledging internal review to prevent recurrence. (cadenaser.com)
Player apology and club reaction
Andrada issued a public apology after the match, describing the episode as something he deeply regretted and acknowledging that it was not the image of a professional player or the club he wanted to represent. The goalkeeper, on loan from a Mexican club, said he was “very, very sorry” for his actions and accepted the consequences imposed by the disciplinary committee. Real Zaragoza said it had witnessed “scenes that should never have occurred” and committed to cooperating with the Federation and taking internal measures to address the fallout. (elpais.com)
Relegation fight and sporting consequences for Zaragoza
The suspension arrives at a critical juncture in Zaragoza’s season, interrupting the club’s efforts to secure enough points to avoid relegation from the Segunda División. With their first-choice goalkeeper sidelined for a prolonged period, Zaragoza must turn to backup options for the remaining fixtures and potentially reshuffle their squad during the summer to mitigate the loss. Club officials and coaching staff will now face urgent tactical and personnel decisions as they seek to protect the team’s league status. (arynews.tv)
The Federation’s sanctions close the disciplinary chapter on the El Alcoraz brawl for now, but the wider debate over on-field violence and appropriate deterrents is likely to continue among Spanish football authorities and media. Supporters and pundits have voiced strong reactions to the images and the penalties, and both clubs will be under scrutiny to demonstrate corrective action in training and conduct in future matches. The governing body has signalled it will apply strict standards going forward to uphold player safety and the integrity of the competition.
