The two new boys Paradas Romero and Ontanaya López-Astilleros (doesn't exactly roll off the tongue!!) were in action this weekend, in charge of the games Atlético vs Racing and Recreativo vs Espanyol. Although neither really put their foot in it, both were heavy on the cards (e.g. Paradas sent off Jordi in four minutes), and the national sports paper which gives out the annual refereeing awards marked them both down as zero (null points, not a sausage etc.). Could do better.

It seems we need all the referees we can get though as the current bunch are dropping like flies. Iturralde González was the second to be injured in a match this season, handing over his whistle to fourth official Costas Soto, Daudén Ibáñez and González Vázquez only passed the fitness test at the second attempt a few days ago and Rodríguez Santiago will have to try for a third time later in the year after pulling up in the trial. Any volunteers? (25.09.07)