Barcelona's 'last man' Digne not sent off against Las Palmas
The reserve full-back started for Luis Enrique in the must-win game and went into the referee's book after just six minutes for bringing down Jesé as he ran in on goal.
The Liga Santander game between Las Palmas and Barcelona was just six minutes old when ex-Real Madrid player Jesé Rodriguez was brought down just outside the area as he looked to have a clear run in on Ter Stegen's goal. Lucas Digne, the defender who committed the foul was shown a yellow card by referee González González when many watching thought it could, or should, have been red.
Digne foul deemed not deliberate
Although socia media lit up with arguments for and against the need for a red card in the situation, the law states that the referee needs to consider whether or not the foul was deliberate. In the case that it was not, a caution is sufficient. The idea of 'denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity' no longer carries with it an automatic sending off punishment.
Barcelona keep 11 and stay top
Clearly discussions will continue on this but only the referee's interpretation matters. Having a numerical advantage for almost the entire game certainly would have helped the home side's efforts - and also the title challenge for Real Madrid - and by half time Neymar and Suárez had a goal and assist to their name. And the second half saw them finish the job off to stay top of LaLiga.
