By IDNN Sports Desk
Published April 26, 2025
Real Madrid has strongly denied reports they considered pulling out of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, following emotional scenes involving match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
In a dramatic turn of events, De Burgos Bengoetxea broke down during a press conference, accusing Madrid’s club-owned television channel, Real Madrid TV, of creating a hostile environment for referees.
Referee De Burgos Breaks Down Over Hostility
An emotional De Burgos Bengoetxea revealed that the pressure had even impacted his family, saying:
“When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”
Real Madrid TV had previously aired critical segments about De Burgos Bengoetxea, questioning his win-loss record in games involving Barcelona and Madrid, highlighting errors, and pointing out that he had never officiated a Champions League or FIFA tournament match.
Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, who will serve as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the final, also condemned the growing hostility towards officials, warning that referees might soon take stronger collective action.
Real Madrid Boycotts Pre-Match Activities but Confirms Participation
In response to the controversy, Real Madrid boycotted the official pre-final training session and press conference.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed Madrid’s absence, stating:
“Real Madrid informed the RFEF they will not take part in the official training session or media activities ahead of the final.”
However, Real Madrid issued two statements clarifying their position.
In the second statement, the club said:
“Our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final. Despite the unfortunate comments made by the referees, Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail.”
The club emphasized its commitment to respecting the millions of fans expected to watch the final and those already present in Seville.
Growing Tensions Over Refereeing Standards
Tensions between Real Madrid and Spanish officiating authorities have been brewing since February, when the club accused Spanish refereeing of being “rigged” and “completely discredited” in a formal complaint to the RFEF and Spain’s High Council for Sports.
In Friday’s emotional press conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea appealed for reflection:
“Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”
VAR official Fuertes hinted that referees were planning historic measures to confront the growing hostility, although specifics were not disclosed.
Barcelona’s Hansi Flick Calls for Calm
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick urged for a return to respect and sportsmanship, stating:
“It’s only a game. It’s our responsibility to protect not just players but all people involved. After matches, emotions must be set aside.”
Earlier this year, La Liga president Javier Tebas criticized Madrid’s approach, accusing them of having “lost their head,” while the RFEF condemned “repulsive” abuse directed at other referees like Jose Luis Munuera Montero after controversial matches.
With tensions boiling over, all eyes now turn to Seville for a final that promises not just football drama, but a battle over the very soul of Spanish football.
