The events off the field of play overshadowed the cup match between Valencia and Deportivo (see white stick section), but before the game was abandoned Marchena had time to get himself sent off for elbowing Arizmendi in the face. Having been red-carded already this season, the disciplinary committee came down hard on the Spanish international and dished out a three match ban, the longest suspension of the season to date.

Only one other red card in the other cup ties, and that was for Barcelona assistant coach Ten Cate for protesting. Three players were sent off at the weekend as well in the league, Tuzzio (Mallorca), Josico (Villarreal) and Generelo (Zaragoza), all of whom were given their marching orders for second bookable offences.

A record number of players banned for next weekend though after 13 reached the five yellow card threshold. That included Atlético's Kezman and Velasco, and Barcelona's Ronaldinho and Edmilson, who will all miss the game between the two on Sunday. The others were Juanito (Alavés), Guzman (Deportivo), Belenguer (Getafe), Doni and Fernando Navarro (Mallorca), Corrales (Osasuna), Felipe Melo and Vitolo (Racing) and Baraja (Valencia). (31.01.06)

PS And Celta coach Fernando Vázquez after another yellow card for arguing!