A notable increase in the number of cards shown in the last three weeks, with the total rising from around the mid-fifties average early season to 66, 72 and an incredible 84 (77 yellows and 7 reds) this weekend. The men in black are obviously looking to peak in time for their annual get together next week, when they have to go through rigorous testing to prove that they are up to the strains and stresses of their profession. On Sunday's showing Tristante Oliva should get top marks, the rookie referee producing an all time best 15 yellows and two reds in the game between Sevilla and Real Madrid, and that without showing a card to either of the terrible twins Javi Navarro and Pablo Alfaro. Téllez Sánchez went close though, with ten yellows and three reds in the game between Osasuna and Valladolid, and another rookie Teixeira Vitienes also hit double figures. The competition next week should be ferocious. (10.11.03)