The last round of matches of the season, and referees minds were obviously more on their upcoming holidays than on dishing out yellow cards. A new record low of 36 yellows and one red, with players minding their Ps and Qs after last week's shameful scenes. For once the games ran their course without officials' decisions taking the headlines, and nobody can say that they missed out on any objective because of the 'arbitros'.

As expected Pérez Burrull wins our annual white stick, just pipping Megia Dávila by three cards. The four new referees finished in the next four places, and one hopes that they will have learnt to moderate their card-waving for next season. No news as yet on who will be carrying on and who will be leaving, except that we understand López Nieto will be hanging up his whistle once he comes back from the World Cup. Hopefully there will be no egg on his face when he steps off the plane. (12.05.02)