Not that it has anything to do with this section, which is only for domestic competitions, but Roberto Carlos was in the news this week after UEFA banned him for two matches on video evidence after Bayern Munich complained that he had hit De Michelis in their first leg match. The move caused an uproar in Spain, and there were claims for other similar actions to be judged in the same way (which they weren't). Also in Europe, Barcelona's Motta got himself sent off for the fourth (or is it fifth) time this season for fighting in the tunnel with Celtic's Douglas at half time. It could well cost him his place in the squad.

Back to Spanish competitions, and after Thursday's horrific events in Madrid's Atocha station nobody had much fight left in them. Only three red cards, and one of those was for Valladolid manager Fernando Vázquez for protesting rather too vehemently to the referee, his second of the season. Alkiza was given a straight red for a bad tackle late in the match between his team Real Sociedad and Atlético, and Deportivo's César was booked twice in the last two minutes of the game at Mallorca and had to go. Only two players will be suspended for accumulation of five yellow cards next weekend, Athletic Bilbao's Karanka (who will miss his first minutes of the season) and Sevilla's Baptista. (15.03.04)