Things quietened down for the last round of matches before the winter break, although the 21 players who were suspended after the fireworks last weekend all had to sit out games as several appeals were turned down. Only three players were shown red cards this time around, including Getafe's Mario Cotelo who was given a two match ban as this was his second straight red of the season. Espanyol's Moisés Hurtado was sent for an early bath after picking up a second yellow card in the third minute of the second half at Deportivo La Coruña, and Cádiz's Pavoni also got his marching orders for a second bookable offence later in the game at Real Sociedad. They will be joined in their extended Christmas holiday by David Beckham and seven other players who all picked up their fifth bookings of the season, including Astudillo (Alavés), Gurpegui (Athletic Bilbao), Raúl López (Cádiz), Angel and Lequi (Celta), Güiza (Getafe) and Aitor Ocio (Sevilla). Salva (Málaga) also received a fifth yellow card, but as explained in our white stick section it was cancelled on appeal. (24.12.05)