Goalkeeper issues grovelling statement after punching opponent in shocking scenes

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has issued a grovelling apology after his violent assault on Jorge Pulido in the side’s clash with Huesca.

The shocking incident played out after Andrada was shown a second yellow card for shoving over Pulido on the touchline, with Huesca holding a narrow one-goal lead in the closing stages of the Spanish second-tier match.

The moment referee Damaso Arcediano Monescillo brandished his red card, Andrada completely lost his cool, sprinting back towards Pulido as tempers escalated in Sunday’s bad-tempered clash between the two relegation-threatened teams.

Footage of what happened next have gone viral across social media, with the Argentina international pictured swinging his right fist into an unsuspecting Pulido from behind, sparking a mass brawl between both sets of players.

Opposition goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende were also given their marching orders for the part they played in the melee at Huesca’s Estadio El Alcoraz.

Centre-back Pulido, formerly of Atletico Madrid, was later seen holding a large ice pack to the side of his face. It is unclear at this stage if the injuries the Spaniard sustained in the attack are serious.

Andrada, meanwhile, issued a statement in the aftermath of Zaragoza’s 1-0 defeat, insisting he was ‘very sorry’ and claiming he was ‘here to face the consequences with the league’.

‘The truth is, I’m very sorry for what happened,’ the 35-year-old – who has been capped four times by Argentina – said in a short video shared on Zaragoza’s social media pages.

‘It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, or for a professional like myself, so I’m very sorry.

‘Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area.

‘It was a critical situation where I lost control and reacted that way, but I’m very sorry and I know I wouldn’t do it again.’

Andrada added: ‘I know I’m a public figure, a professional with many years of experience, and all I can do is apologise to Jorge Pulido because we’re colleagues.

‘Honestly, it was my own actions and I lost focus in that moment.

‘I’m here to face the consequences with the league, or if they want me to come and explain, I’m available.’

A separate statement from Zaragoza, who sit second-bottom in La Liga 2, ‘strongly condemned’ Andrada’s behaviour and vowed to ‘take the appropriate disciplinary measures’ in due course.

‘We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,’ it read.

‘These events do not represent the values ​​of Real Zaragoza or its fans, who throughout its history have been characterised by sportsmanship, courage, and respect for the opponent.

‘We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children, who cheer us on at every match and aspire to one day become one of their idols.

‘That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen.’

Zaragoza manager David Narrarro added: ‘There are lines we can’t cross.’

Huesca head coach Jose Luis, meanwhile, stated: ‘It’s hard to explain. I think it’s a complete loss of control.

‘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.’

Oscar Sielva scored what proved to be the winning goal as 19th-placed Huesca clung on to move one point clear of Zaragoza in the Segunda Division table.

Andrada should expect to be slapped with a lengthy suspension and appears likely to miss the remaining five matches of Zaragoza’s desperate fight for survival.

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