Don Bernardo Schuster rather put his foot in it this weekend when he criticised referee Alvarez Izquierdo after his side's defeat at Sevilla. The Real Madrid coach stepped on the forbidden ground of Spanish regional politics when he replied to a question about the official in a press conference, "where's he from, Catalonia! Enough said!"

The remark could cost him a big fine, but in fact most commentators didn't think Alvarez did a bad job, or at least any mistake he did make didn't favour any one side. True the sending off of Sergio Ramos was a bit harsh after Diego Capel fell rather too easily under the defender's challenge, but Diarra's elbow on Crespo which left the young defender out cold should have warranted a straight red, as should Guti's elbow on Adriano. And the two penalty appeals by Jesús Navas and Raúl which he turned down did seem to be exaggerated falls by both forwards.

As always though, when you are a passionate follower of one side or another, whether player, coach fan or whatever, you see what you want to see. (07.11.07)