Our two table topping rookies hit the headlines this weekend, and not exactly for their shining performances. Téllez Sánchez had a reasonable first half in the game between Zaragoza and Rayo Vallecano, but something about Rayo must have upset him at half time as every decision he made from then on went against them. First of all he awarded an indirect free kick inside the area for a supposed back pass when the ball went back to Etxeberria as a result of a tackle between two players, clearly with no intention of playing the ball to the keeper. Zaragoza got their equalising goal from the following move.

Then he missed the most obvious penalty of the season when Milosevic stuck his hand up in the air to block a free kick. On top of that he awarded six yellow cards to Rayo players (including Michel's fifth of the season) against only one to the hosts, and allowed Milosevic's second goal to stand with the visiting team claiming offside. After the game the upset players put up a sign in their team coach saying "hands up, this is a robbery", making sure the referee saw it on his way out of the ground. Rayo's manager Gregorio Manzano, normally respectful about referees, claimed something strange was going on, adding that the officials shook hands with Milosevic and his team mates before the game wishing them luck whereas they ignored his players. The comments of Rayo's lady president Teresa Rivero are unprintable on these decent family pages.

Pino Zamorano upset Real Madrid manager Vicente Del Bosque with his decisions, which included a penalty in favour of Betis on Joaquín which appeared to be just outside the area, and a disallowed goal for a supposed foul by Solari on Calado which on television appeared to be the other way round. Pino was born in Madrid, but was allowed to referee this match as he had moved away and was registered in the Castilla La Mancha local refereeing college. Maybe he is an Atlético Madrid supporter? (28.01.02)