Pérez Lasa drew the short straw this weekend, having to referee the bad tempered local derby between Betis and Sevilla. He didn't hold back though, dishing out five yellow cards in the first half hour, and even sending off the ballboys after they slackened off when their side took the lead. With all the theatrics though, it must have been like judging the school play. Medina Cantalejo was also called upon to intervene when Albacete and Levante players fought over the ball after the visitors pulled back a vital goal, and he ended up dishing out three red cards.

There were some controversial decisions this weekend though which could affect the top and bottom spots by the end of the season. Racing Santander complained that the penalty awarded to Ronaldo against Aouate by Iturralde González should not have been given, and Teixeira Vitienes ruled out a headed goal by Athletic's Ezquerro which looked perfectly good.

Perhaps the decision that could have the greatest effect though at the end of the season was that of Muñiz Fernández not to allow a last minute goal by Mallorca's Okubo against Osasuna. The Japanese striker had already taken off his shirt in celebration when the referee said that the ball had not completely crossed the line before David López cleared, and the Islanders therefore had to settle for one point rather than three. (10.05.05)