Ronaldo and Team targeted by lasers in Copa del Rey victory over rivals Barcelona

It wasn't just the stars on the pitch who dazzled during last night's El Clasico. 

Green lasers once again repeatedly flicked across the faces of the players to leave us contemplating the banal idiocy of some of those who attend football matches, particularly in Spain.

Countless times Cristiano Ronaldo had to put up with having an emerald light shined into his eyes by a number of faceless perpetrators in the 95,000 crowd.

Others suffered, too. It's hardly crime of the century but it is incredibly annoying and appears to be happening with increased frequency.

The sight managed to slightly mar the fantastic spectacle at the Nou Camp. More often than not a break in play brought a flurry of green lasers. It's enough to make anyone see red.

Originally created, ostensibly, so lecturers or teachers could point out to their observers certain areas of interest on a white board or projector, lasers seem to have become sought-after items for simple souls who are awed by pointing coloured light at faraway objects.

Now football fans, mainly on the continent, seem to have developed a liking for using lasers as tools for distraction. 

Ronaldo was subjected to such attempts most noticeably after scoring in the 57th minute. The fact it was his second of the night shows the futility.

The tactic was more successful against Lionel Messi in the San Siro during a Champions League game against AC Milan in March 2012. More than once as he readied himself to take a free-kick the lasers ruffled his concentration. It ended 0-0.

Most of the time the players ignore them but it is clearly irritating and shouldn't be allowed.

Indeed, Article 6, Point 1, Clause D of Barcelona's ground regulations specifically mentions 'laser pointers' as banned items.

The difficulty is spotting the people holding the infernal things among the masses. And while there are talented footballers like Ronaldo on show, there will always be some who are green with envy.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans launched a flare at rival supporters in the 76th minute. The incident occurred after the away side had taken a 3-0 lead in the Copa del Rey clash.