Some fine performances by our blind school candidates this week, none more so than that of Turienzo Alvarez in the game between Alavés and Espanyol. His performance left Espanyol manager Paco Flores fuming, and with good reason. First of all he awarded a penalty to Espanyol for a push by Téllez on De Lucas, then after 3 or 4 minutes talking to his assistants, he eventually gave a free kick outside of the area (right decision though). Then when Argensó retaliated to a provocation by Téllez, he sent off the Espanyol keeper (yellow card at worst) and awarded a penalty (wrong). Then he sent off Morales for a rigorous second yellow card and finally awarded an injury time winner to Alavés with one of their players in an offside position. Alavés manager Mané diplomatically refused to comment, but had to bite on a lemon to take the smile off his face. Incidentally, Turienzo also upset fans of second division B side Marino de Luanco in their home cup tie with Deportivo La Coruña on Wednesday night, sending off defender Luis in the first half when their team was in the lead, thereby inadvertently sparking off Depor's revival. Quite a week for him really.

Turienzo was not the only one to award a penalty and then change his mind. Daudén Ibáñez did the same, pointing to the spot when Valencia's Rufete fell at the feet of Osasuna's Contreras in the area, and then after some consultation reversing the decision and booking the midfielder for diving (right decision). Later on he further upset the visiting fans ruling out a strike by Carew for a foul which didn't exist. Téllez Sánchez was not very popular at Vigo when he sent off Celta's assistant coach and then defender Velasco, allowing Bilbao to come back to win with three goals in the last ten minutes (see also villains section). His tally of eleven yellows and two reds kept up his average of over ten cards a game, and he races away at the top of our table. Téllez is of course Catalan, and knowing their reputation for thriftiness...... "take a card." "Are they free?" "Yes". "Then I'll have ten!" (12.11.01)