Zaragoza's Andrada Banned 12 Matches for Punching Opponent
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada received a 12-match suspension for punching SD Huesca defender Jorge Pulido during a Spanish second-division match this weekend. The Competition Committee added one more match to Andrada's ban for a red card shown moments earlier. The incident unfolded in the final minutes as Andrada shoved Pulido to the ground, earning a second yellow card, before chasing and striking him with a right hand.
Pulido fell to the ground, sparking a brawl involving players and staff from both teams. Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez also received a red card for punching Andrada amid the melee and faces a four-match ban. Andrada later apologized for his actions, and both suspensions remain subject to appeal.
In a separate La Liga incident, Rayo Vallecano winger Isi Palazon drew a seven-match suspension for protesting referee decisions from the bench during his team's 3-3 draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday. Palazon had already been substituted when officials reviewed and disallowed a Rayo goal, instead awarding Sociedad a penalty.
The bans will sideline key players as Zaragoza and Huesca continue their Segunda Division campaigns, while Rayo Vallecano pushes forward in the top flight.
