No doubt which referee made the headlines this weekend, Esquinas Torres suddenly having a rush of blood late in the first half of the game between Valencia and Espanyol and producing five yellow cards and two reds to Espanyol players for protesting. The incident occurred when Lopo gave away a hotly disputed foul on Aimar at the edge of the area, the Argentine forward having to be attended by the trainer for the resulting injury. Under league rules he should have gone off the pitch, but he stayed on to take the free kick himself, which (although nothing came of it) set off the additional protests. Out came the first yellows, and when the players didn't back off, team captain Tamudo and then Oscar Serrano were shown reds. Everybody expected the referee's report to mention obscene and threatening language from the offenders, but in fact all they said to him that his performance was shameful, which in the cold light of day doesn't seem serious enough to leave a side with nine men. A storm in a teacup, which Espanyol have said they will appeal against. (24.12.04)