An Argentinian goalkeeper who punched his opponent in a bizarre clash on Saturday has since issued a full apology for his actions.
Real Zaragoza, who play in the second division of Spanish football, shared a video on social media of their goalkeeper, Esteban Andrada, speaking after the match.
Andrada was sent off during the clash after receiving his second yellow card for shoving Huesca’s Jorge Pulido on the touchline.
Huesca held a narrow 1-0 lead over Zaragoza at the time, though the heated encounter quickly made things a lot more tense.
After referee Damaso Arcediano Monescillo brandished his red card, Andrada completely lost his cool.
The goalkeeper sprinted back towards Pulido, swung his right fist and punched him in the head.
The incident unsurprisingly sparked a mass brawl between both sets of players, which led to Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza defender Dani Tasende also being shown red cards.
Pulido was later seen holding a large ice pack to the side of his face, though any injuries remain unclear.
Afterwards, Andrada insisted that he was ‘very sorry’ and said he was ‘here to face the consequences with the league’.
The 35-year-old stated: ‘The truth is, I’m very sorry for what happened. 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.
‘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.’
Zaragoza, who are facing relegation from La Liga 2 after the defeat, issued a statement of their own to condemn Andrada’s actions.
It read: ‘We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred. 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.’
