Not too many things to complain about this weekend on the refereeing front, maybe the worse of which being in the match between Sevilla and Athletic, where both the home side's goals were protested by the visitors. The first was a hotly disputed penalty which Rubinos Pérez awarded after Kanouté fell under a challenge from a defender, and the second a strike from Kanouté which the Bilbao players claimed was offside. In compensation Rubinos did leave Sevilla with ten men for over half the match as well after sending off Dragutinovic for a second bookable offence, although that appeared to be justified and the second booking probably merited a red rather than a yellow card.

Spanish referees will however be given a boost over the next fortnight, as the authorities have agreed to a proposal from the national association of supporters clubs to celebrate a "day of the referee" at all first and second division grounds. Players will be obliged to form a tunnel to applaud the officials on to the pitch, something which many of them will have difficulty accepting. However excuses such as "I'm sorry, I have to go to the bathroom", or applauding with fingers crossed behind the back (not an easy thing to do, we agree) will presumably not be allowed! At the end of the game the two team captains will present their shirts to the referees, which will them be auctioned off (the shirts, not the referees!) on the internet for charity. (07.03.06)