Four red cards at the weekend, including one for Recreativo coach Marcelino, who was given a two match ban for insulting the referee (not the first time he had done so). Sevilla's Aitor Ocio was also sent off in the same game for a second bookable offence.

Deportivo's Juanma was given a pardon last weekend after one of his two yellow cards were cancelled, but he was sent for an early bath again on Saturday after picking up two bookings in as many minutes near the end of the game against Athletic. And Real Madrid's latest "Balon de Oro" Fabiano Cannavaro was brought down to Earth quickly after getting his marching orders, also for a second yellow card for a dubious hand ball, ten minutes in to the second half at Espanyol.

With only one game to go to the Christmas break, all four can start their holidays early. And they will be joined by seven other players who reached the five yellow card threshold, including Paredes (Getafe), Pinilla (Gimnàstic), Munitis and Pinillos (Racing), Antonio Puerta and Martí (Sevilla) and Sergio (Zaragoza). (19.12.06)

PS. Cannavaro will have to unpack his bags as he was let off one of the yellow cards on appeal. He will therefore be presenting his new trophy to the fans at the Bernabeu midweek. Munitis and Martí's bookings were also cancelled and they too will be available for their sides' respective matches.