An astonishing brawl in the second tier of Spanish football has gone viral after a goalkeeper knocked out the opposition captain in an ugly scene that saw three players sent off.
The chaotic fight unfolded in added time at the end of Huesca’s 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza on Monday morning (AEST) after Argentine keeper Esteban Andrada was shown a second yellow card for a push.
You can watch the full video of the punch and brawl in the player above
When the referee sent him off, the Zaragoza keeper immediately stormed over to Huesca skipper Jorge Pulido and unleashed a huge right hand, bludgeoning his face and sending him tumbling to the floor.
The remarkable moment caused floods of players and staff from both teams to descend on the field as the teams lost control.
Stewards stormed the field to calm the situation down — after which Huesca keeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off.
Andrada, 35, who is now expected to face a lengthy ban for the punch, issued an apology after the match.
He said: “The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened. It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.
“Throughout my career, I’ve only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the penalty area.
“I also want to apologise to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault, I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me.”
Andrada, on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican side Monterrey, has earned four caps for the Argentina national team, and joined the Spanish team at the beginning of this season.
But Zaragoza were quick to condemn their own player’s actions in what was just his sixth appearance for the club.
After saying they will “take the appropriate disciplinary measures”, Zaragoza added: “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.”
Huesca boss Jose Luis also had his say on the explosive end to the match, adding: “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.”
Huesca’s win moves them to within two points of safety with five games remaining, while Zaragoza are one point behind as the fight to avoid relegation nears its conclusion.
