Referees have been asked to watch out for racist abuse at grounds, and this week it was Losantos Omar who temporarily halted the match between Deportivo and Real Madrid early on to ask for chanting against Roberto Carlos to stop. The Spanish government are seriously investigating the matter, and are expected to take steps to stamp out what is becoming a bane on the game in Spain. Congratulations to Numancia fans though, who put up a poster saying "Eto'o, we are with you. All our hearts are the same colour".

Elsewhere Iturralde was the first referee to hit the hundred card mark this weekend, although he only just made it thanks to an off the ball card to Espanyol's De la Peña for insulting remarks at half time. Curiously "El Pelat" wasn't even in the squad due to an injury, and this being his fifth booking of the season, he will presumably be suspended for the next game with Barcelona. That will be very convenient as he will not have recovered by then, and will be free to play after that without fear of suspension. Quite a lucky coincidence really! (01.03.05)