World Cup referee Medina Cantalejo (yes, him - the one who spotted Zidane's head-butt!) was in action for the first time this season, and he already made his mark by producing two red cards and upsetting both sides. Valencia were not happy that he allowed Costinha to stay on the park and then sent off Moretti for an identical tackle, and Atlético complained that the sending off of Fernando Torres was not justified, especially as the original foul he had awarded did not appear to take place.

The following day Daudén Ibáñez was also in the news after sending off two Levante players, letting Reyes off a bad tackle and giving a soft penalty to Real Madrid. The Levante players said that Daudén must have been wearing a Real Madrid badge on his shirt! Rubinos Pérez is our new leader though after producing nine yellow cards and two reds in the match between Zaragoza and Espanyol. (12.09.06)