Four famous names went in to the referees' little black books this weekend, and it wasn't because they were hunting autographs. Valencia's Ayala was the first to get his marching orders when he (or his elbow) clashed with Betis striker Dani (or his neck) just as the half time whistle went. Dani writhed around the ground as if in agony and was eventually stretchered off in a neck brace, and Ayala had to go. The magic sponge must have contained holy water though as the young forward bounced back and took his place for the second half as if nothing had happened. He joins our growing list of budding actors, and if ever the Spanish federation puts on a play they know who to turn to.

Ayala's team mate Baraja made it a hot bath for two when he picked up a first yellow card soon after coming on as substitute for a hard tackle (his tenth of the season), and then was shown a straight red immediately afterwards after telling referee Pérez Lasa "you are really bad". He could be in further trouble as the referee included in his report that the Spanish international further insulted him with a withering "so, you are sending me off for telling the truth?". Worthy of a red card? Maybe the referee comes from another planet..... Barcelona's Argentine international Sorín was the next to go after picking up two yellow cards in the game against Villarreal, the first after a dubious penalty. And then on Sunday Atlético Madrid and Romania's Contra joined the illustrious list after he too was given a second booking.

One man who came back though was Athletic's Gurpegui, who together with his club had been fighting a prolonged ban after he was found with a high level of Nandrolone in his blood stream. The disciplinary committee suspended his licence temporarily in early February pending the presentation of findings, but have now reinstated him, at least until the case goes to the tribunal. The club's lawyers are claiming that the player generates the chemical naturally. A mention too for Roberto Carlos, who was in trouble after appearing to shoulder charge the Israeli referee in Brazil's game against Portugal. FIFA have decided to suspend him from playing for his country pending further investigation, although he will be allowed to play for Real Madrid in league and European competitions.

As well as the above, ten players are expected to miss next weekend's games after reaching the next threshold of yellow cards. Four received their tenth of the season, Berizzo and José Ignacio from Celta, Soldevilla from Espanyol and Ballesteros from Villarreal, and seven reached the five card limit, including Prieto (Athletic), Jorge (Atlético), Diego Mateo (Racing), Iriney (Rayo), Pellegrino (Valencia) and Peña (Valladolid). Baraja of course will miss two matches, one for reaching the ten card limit and another for the direct red. Finally, the disciplinary committee decided to go ahead with the two match ground closure at Barcelona. The club appealed to the ordinary courts though, and for the time being the decision has been put on hold until further notice. (09.04.03)