RFEF to Decide a Sanction for Esteban Andrada for Assaulting Jorge Pulido Possible Punishment of up to Fifteen Matches

Zaragoza hopes that Esteban Andrada's public apology will reduce the penalty for assaulting Jorge Pulido

The possible sanction for the goalkeeper

Next Wednesday, the RFEF Disciplinary Committee will announce the resolution regarding the aggression by Zaragoza's goalkeeper, Esteban Andrada, toward Huesca's defender, Jorge Pulido. The anticipation is at its peak in all of football.

The applicable regulation is Article 103 of the Disciplinary Code, which governs assaults. In its first section, it establishes sanctions of four to twelve matches when there is no injury, as long as the action occurs with the game stopped or outside the contest zone.

A possible aggravating factor and the maximum penalty

However, the referee's report notes the injury to Pulido's cheekbone, which activates the second point of the article: there, a suspension of six to fifteen matches is set when the aggression causes a medical leave, unless it is a more serious offense.

If the maximum penalty were applied, the sanction would reach fifteen matches, plus one additional for the expulsion. However, the usual practice of the disciplinary body is to opt for the medium level, especially in cases without prior offenses. In that scenario, the punishment would range between ten and eleven matches.

Will remorse be enough?

The mystery now lies in the goalkeeper's remorse. Hours after the incident, Andrada publicly apologized, especially to Pulido. Article 10 of the Code considers "spontaneous remorse" as a mitigating factor. Zaragoza has until tomorrow at 2:00 PM to present that message as evidence.

If the Committee accepts it, the sanction could be reduced to nine, ten, or even eight matches, always within the expected margins. The decision will set a precedent and will be crucial for the immediate future of the goalkeeper and the Zaragoza club.