Málaga were doing fine in their second round cup tie at Lorca midweek until they ran into the referee's black book. The Andalucians were cruising two goals up, until César Navas (two yellow cards) and Amoroso (straight red) both got their marching orders in quick succession, and the rest is history. The second division B side equalised in the last minute of normal play, and went on to win 5-2 in extra time. All in all first division referees showed ten red cards, although the only other one for a first division player was to Levante's Jofre as his side followed Barcelona to defeat at giant-killing Gramanet. Four lower division managers and technical staff also were sent for an early bath (if they do that sort of thing?) and the other three were for second division players.

Two more red cards at the weekend as well as fifth bookings for Ballesteros and Orbaiz which will keep them out of the next games. Espanyol's Maxi had already won himself a dubious penalty against Racing Santander, and must have thought Ramírez Domínguez was a push over. It was a major error of judgement though, as the next time the Argentine midfielder fell in the area the ref decided it wasn't a push over (if you get our drift) and booked him for diving. It was his second yellow card, and off he went. Villarreal's home-sick midfielder Battaglia also got his marching orders at Bilbao for kicking an opponent late in the game. (16.11.04)