Ujfalusi's horrifying tackle on Leo Messi did the rounds of the World press this weekend, with photo's of the player's ankle twisted up at an impossible angle. Miraculously Messi avoided a serious injury, even though he was stretchered off in obvious pain, and he is expected to be back on the fields of play within ten days. Minutes of yesterday's disciplinary committee meeting (published on the federation website www.rfef.es) revealed that they considered the tackle to be dangerous, although given Ujfalusi's public apology and his reasonably good record he was only given a two match ban.

The Atlético defender was one of three players to be given their marching orders at the weekend, together with David Navarro (Valencia) and Mosquera (Getafe). Both were sent off for second bookable offences, although Valencia have appealed against both of Navarro's yellow cards, the first when the ball hit him on the arm at point blank range in the penalty area, and the second what appeared to be a 50/50 tackle with a Hércules player. The committee initially turned down their claims though, and with league matches midweek this week there is virtually no time for a second appeal to be heard. (22.09.10)