The cup returned midweek, with many Spanish sides taking part in the fourth round first leg. There were six red cards in the nine games, including two for Barcelona's opponents Alcoyano, Baixauli for a second bookable offence and Carrión for a vicious tackle on Bojan. The defender had already taken Giovani out of the game, and was given a two match ban. Las Palmas defender David García was sent off after picking up two yellow cards against Villarreal, and Hércules forward Sendoa got his marching orders in the first half against Athletic, too much for their coach Andoni Goikoetxea (Athletic's mythical ex defender the Butcher of Seville) who was also sent up into the stands after insulting the referee. Only one red card for a first division player though, Almería's Cabrera taking an early bath after a foul on a Levante player in their cup tie.

Four more red cards as first division football returned after the international lay-off. Guti moved to the top of our chart after getting himself sent off by kicking out in retaliation at Murcia's César Arzo, and Mallorca goalscorer Varela turned from hero to villain after he got his marching orders for a second bookable offence at Sevilla. Both Guti and Varela insulted the referee on their way off the park, but whereas the former's insult only earned him an extra yellow card, the latter's was considered serious enough for the disciplinary committee to add another day's ban to his one day suspension.

Betis and Spain defender Juanito was sent off for the second time this season after a foul on an opponent near the end of the game at Levante, and Atlético full back Valera was also shown red for a second yellow card against Valladolid. Both games ended 4-3. All four offenders will be joined on the sidelines next weekend by three players who picked up their fifth bookings of the season, Aitor Ocio (Athletic), Pinillos (Racing), and another Juanito, this time the one from Almería. (27.11.07)