Five red cards in the midweek cup games, including three for Valencia in their tie at Racing Santander. Vicente was sent off with a straight red later on for kicking out at Pinillos and Miguel followed him a few minutes later after picking up a second booking. The full back made matters worse by threatening to kill the linesman on his way of the pitch (according to the ref's report at least!), and was given a three match ban as a result, and the medical assistant was also given a two match suspension for insulting officials. Elsewhere Atlético Madrid's Heitinga was sent off after giving away a penalty on Barcelona's Messi, and Espanyol's Moisés was red-carded for a second bookable offence at Poli Ejido.

On to the weekend, where the eight red cards was the second highest tally of the season. Betis were left with nine men against Málaga, Melli getting himself sent off in the first half and Emanà following for a second yellow card after the break. Assistant coach Suárez was sent to the stands for protesting, as was his opposite number from across the city Calderón for telling the referee where to stick it! Amongst other things he was not happy that Maresca had been sent off before the break after an off the ball incident with Bodipo, although the disciplinary committee considered it serious enough to give him a two match ban.

Atlético's Maniche was suspended for two games as well after an over the top tackle on an opponent in the match against Athletic Bilbao, and Getafe keeper Pato Abbondanzieri was also sent for an early bath after giving away a penalty against Numancia. He probably didn't need it though as they had only been playing for three minutes when it happened! Valladolid's Marcos will also miss the next round of games after seeing red for a second bookable offence, and he and the others will be joined by ten others who also picked up their fifth cautions of the season, Amorebieta (Athletic), Busquets (Barcelona), Pareja (Espanyol), Gámez and Weligton (Málaga), Arango and Cléber (Mallorca), Luccin (Racing), Baraja (Valencia) and Eguren (Villarreal). (13.01.09)