Referees are in the spotlight. They have shown 112 red cards so far, more than any of the other five major leagues across Europe.

This is the campaign in which it takes the fewest games to see a red card brandished (2.52 games) since the 2006/07 season.

In that season, the current record number of expulsions was reached, with 158 red cards across the 38 matchdays played.

The comparison with the Premier League is striking. In England, just 28 red cards have been shown to date.

Real Betis is the team which has been hardest hit. The verdiblancos lead the way with a combined 12 sendings off in 28 matchdays.

In their last match, Canales and Aitor Ruibal were both sent off by the official in charge. The Cantabrian left the field in tears.

The Betis man only played in this match thanks to the court suspending his four-match ban for statements made about Mateu Lahoz.

Others have spoken out on the issue. "There are 28 reds in the Premier League and here more than a hundred, something is going on," said Fernando.

"Banned from speaking" In the wake of Canales' controversial sanction, players, coaches and fans have shown their anger.

"One player has already been unjustly sanctioned with a ban. I can't say any more because, I'll probably get more than four," Darder stated.