Only two red cards in the midweek round of cup matches, and both of those were for managers. Osasuna's Javier Aguirre was given a two match ban after he was sent off for the second time this season for insulting an official as his side went down to Deportivo. And Betis coach Serra Ferrer was also shown a red card for the second time this season just before the break in the tie between his side and Celta. Curiously his physical trainer Alomar Sierra was also given a red card at the weekend, and although both sendings off were later downgraded to cautions by the disciplinary committee, Betis coaching staff have now accumulated five red cards between them this season.

Another seven red cards at the weekend (including the aforementioned Alomar), three of which came in the match between Racing Santander and Villarreal. Pablo Alfaro couldn't have had a worse start on his return to the Sardinero stadium, the veteran defender giving away a penalty and getting himself sent off by referee Velasco Carballo shortly before the break, equalling the first division all time record of 18 red cards set by Zaragoza's Aguado a few years ago. Team mate Pinillos followed him down the tunnel early in the second half for a second bookable offence, but numbers were evened up a bit after Héctor Font also picked up a second booking soon afterwards.

Tempers were raised at the Nou Camp, where players were involved in constant incidents and Barcelona's Deco was sent off for retaliating and pulling Gurpegui's hair late on. The Portuguese midfielder was given a two match ban by the disciplinary committee. Samuel Eto'o could be in trouble as well after spitting at Expósito who had been tormenting him all night, and Athletic Bilbao coach Javier Clemente is under investigation by the footballing authorities after some unfortunate remarks about the incident in the post match press briefing.

Málaga's new signing Antonio López was another to blot his copy book on his debut against Cádiz, and after picking up a yellow card for protesting whilst still on the bench, he was booked a second time just a quarter of an hour after coming on as half time substitute. And finally Espanyol's Jarque was given his marching orders shortly before the interval for a second bookable offence in his side's match at Real Sociedad. All will be joined by Lacruz (Bilbao), Juanma (Deportivo), Juan Rodríguez (Málaga) and Oscar Serrano (Racing), who picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season this weekend. (17.01.06)