Four players sent off this weekend, a normal occurence if you don't take into account that three were from the same team. Atlético Madrid were left with eight players in the match at Málaga after Esteban, Albertini and Emerson all got their marching orders from referee González Vázquez. The keeper was the first to go after bringing down Darío Silva in the penalty area, a fact which the Uruguayan striker made the most of as usual. His spectacular dive (forward somersault with pike and twist) would have brought a six out of any Russian judge, and González had no doubts in showing Esteban the red card.

The experienced Alberti and Emerson had already picked up yellows during the game, and both should have known better than to argue with the referee in the last minute, both getting second bookings for the troubles. The club certainly thought so, fining both 1,5000 Euros on top of the one match suspension they are expected to get.

The fourth red card of the day was for Mallorca's Fernando Niño, a well known villain who has featured in our charts in previous seasons. His half time sending off for a second caution did not harm his club's chances though, as they went on to score twice and beat Espanyol with ten men.

Two notable sendings off in the second division this week, Albacete's Argentine international keeper and sworn evangelist Carlos Roa and Levante's star signing from Fiorentina, the ex Real Madrid forward Mijatovic. Both appeared to be victims of play acting by their opponents, but video evidence was not that clear and they may have to serve bans.

The real villains of the day though were the hooligans who spoilt the derby match between Sevilla and Betis. The young idiot who ran on the field of play to attack Betis keeper Prats will hopefully be jailed for assault and banned from football matches for life, as should the three or four neanderthals who were caught on film attacking a security guard with a metal crutch after he tried to stop them stealing practise balls off the pitch. There is no place for such people at football matches and they bring shame and disgrace on their country. (08.10.02)