No doubt about the most controversial moment this weekend, Atlético coach Diego Simeone getting another red card which could see him banned to the end of the season! It was not really his fault this time (or was it?!?), the incident occurring when someone from the local dug-out threw a ball on to the pitch on the stroke of half time to stop a Málaga attack . Neither referee Mateu Lahoz nor his assistants spotted who had done it, and with rule book in hand he had to send off the person who was in charge of the bench, viz Don Diego. From video clips which have been published after the event it seems that the culprit was in fact a local ball boy, although there is a serious doubt as to whether Simeone actually instructed him to throw it. Whatever the case, if nobody throws themselves on to the sword Simeone will probably have to watch the nerve wracking last three matches from the stands!

Only one other red card this weekend, Sporting’s Vranjes getting his marching orders for a second bookable offence after giving away a penalty against Barcelona. It was a bit harsh though, and the Asturians may decide to appeal. Otherwise another eight players will miss next weekend’s games after reaching the five yellow card threshold, including Recio (Málaga), the third player this season to pick up fifteen bookings, Javi López (Espanyol), Jefferson Lerma (Levante) and Trashorras (Rayo), all of whom were given their tenth, and Babín (Granada), Dani Castellano (Las Palmas), Weligton (Málaga) and Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad), who were all shown their fifth. (26.04.16)

PS It was confirmed that Simeone will be banned for three matches for the ball-throwing incident. Sporting’s Vranjes was let off one of his yellow cards though, and he will be available for next weekend’s game. (27.04.16)

(* suspension pending disciplinary meeting decision)

Villains Yellow cards Red cards (straight) Games banned Total points
Simao (Levante) 12 2 (1) 7 22
Diop (Espanyol) 15 2 (1) 4 22
Rubén Pérez (Granada) 15 1 (1) 4 21
Piqué (Barcelona) 12 1 (1) 6 20
Víctor Sánchez (Espanyol) 14 2 4 20
Mustafi (Valencia) 15 1 (1) 3 20
Aythami (Las Palmas) 14 2 3 19
Escalante (Eibar) 14 1 (1) 3 19
Pablo Hernández (Celta) 15 1 3 19
Recio (Málaga) 16 0 3* 19
Deyverson (Levante) 13 2 3 18
Filipe Luis (Atlético) 13 1 (1) 3 18
Dani García (Eibar) 15 0 3 18
Mascherano (Barcelona) 12 1 (1) 3 17
Gabi (Atlético Madrid) 13 1 3 17
Hernán Pérez (Espanyol) 12 1 3 16
Success (Granada) 12 1 3 16
Raúl Baena (Rayo) 12 1 3 16
Eric Bailly (Villarreal) 13 1 2 16
Cabral (Celta) 10 1 4 15
Orellana (Celta) 10 1 4 15
Arribas (Deportivo) 10 1 4 15
Iborra (Sevilla) 9 2 (1) 3 15
Nacho Cases (Sporting) 10 1 (1) 3 15
Roque (Las Palmas) 13 0 2 15
Illarramendi (Real Sociedad) 13 0 2 15