Referees were under the spotlight in all the television round-ups this weekend, as borderline decisions swung matches one way or another. More than one manager gave their honest opinion about the referee's parenthood, and others bit their tongue rather than say something they would later regret. Javier Clemente for one was not happy, especially as Daudén Ibáñez sent off two of his players and awarded two penalties against his side including one for a dubious hand-ball, but didn't give one the other way. Daudén incidentally has now clocked up 100 red cards in his first division career, something most referees will never touch - even with a ten foot bargepole.

Valencia were not happy that Undiano Mallenco waved away claims for a foul by Valerón on Cañizares leading up to the first goal, and Villarreal's Benito Floro was upset that la last minute penalty on Belletti was not given when Carmona Méndez had awarded one to Sevilla earlier. Racing claimed that Raúl's first goal was offside, even though Turienzo Alvarez didn't think so, and Zaragoza were hopping mad that they had clashed once again with infamous linesman Rafa Guerrero, who persuaded Esquinas Torres to give a dubious penalty against them. Rafa did the same five years or so against Barcelona, provoking referee Turienzo Alvarez to exclaim "Rafa, no me j*das", a phrase which is now famous in Spanish sporting folklore.

"Gol fantasma" (phantom goal) was the phrase which sprang easliy to the lips of some as well this weekend, with Valladolid getting two, the first a header from Chema which bounced just over the line (although Sousa finished off to be sure) and the second another header from Makukula which Del Horno swears he cleared off the line before it went in. Fernando Torres was not so lucky though, and his effort was not allowed by Iturralde González, even though it was cleared by Cuadrado after it appeared to have gone in. Split second decisions which can affect the lives of thousands. And people still want to be referees in Spain? (27.10.03)