Pre-match Tension Escalates

The highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona is facing unprecedented turmoil. Accusations of bias against the appointed referees have ignited a firestorm, threatening to overshadow the sporting spectacle. The controversy centers around statements made by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and video assistant referee (VAR) official Gonzalo Fuertes, leading to strong reactions from Real Madrid.

Referee’s Emotional Plea and Allegations of Harassment

In a rare move, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea addressed the media, expressing deep concern over the impact of criticism on his family. He recounted the emotional distress caused by his son being taunted at school due to allegations of his father’s dishonesty.

When your child returns from school in tears because his classmates told him that his father was a thief… I try to teach my son that his dad is an honorary man. I wouldn’t wish anyone what we where experiencing now. It is not right what we are going through,not only in professional football.

Bengoetxea’s remarks were seemingly directed at Real Madrid TV, which has repeatedly scrutinized his past decisions in matches involving Real Madrid. This scrutiny, the referee suggests, has crossed the line into personal attacks.

VAR official threatens Action amidst Unprecedented Unity

Adding fuel to the fire, VAR official gonzalo Fuertes issued a stern warning, hinting at potential collective action by referees. He emphasized a newfound solidarity among officials and suggested that they are prepared to take drastic measures to combat what they perceive as unfair treatment.

Among us (judges) there is unity like never before. But we will have to start taking measures because this is no longer bearable.You will all see it in a few days. We will write down in history and we will no longer tolerate what we are to endure. Strike? You will have messages soon.

While the exact nature of these “vigorous” steps remains unclear, the threat of a strike looms large, perhaps disrupting the integrity of future matches.This unprecedented level of public dissent from match officials highlights the severity of the situation.

Real Madrid’s Response: Boycott and official Statement

In response to the referees’ statements and perceived bias,Real Madrid initially boycotted the pre-match press conference,official training session,and joint team photo. The club then released an official statement expressing its “indignation” at the referees’ public comments.

Real Madrid considers the public statements of the judges named for the Copa del Rey final. Their words, aimed at freedom of speech and specifically at Real Madrid TV, demonstrate a clear and obvious bias towards our club.
Real Madrid CF

The statement further criticized the “threatening” tone of the referees’ remarks and called on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to take action to defend its prestige. This strong stance underscores the club’s deep concerns about the impartiality of the officiating.

Barcelona’s coach Calls for Calm

In contrast to the escalating tension, Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, attempted to defuse the situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting referees from undue criticism. He described the final against Real Madrid as an “remarkable experience” and maintained that there is no clear favorite in such a high-stakes match.

Its just a sport, just football. We have to protect the judges, it is unfair to attack them like that.
Hansi Flick

Flick’s call for calm reflects a desire to focus on the sporting aspect of the final,despite the surrounding controversy.

Real Madrid Denies Resignation rumors, maintains Criticism

Amidst speculation that Real Madrid might withdraw from the final, the club issued another statement reaffirming its commitment to the match. However, the statement reiterated the club’s criticism of the referees, accusing them of creating a “opposed atmosphere.”

In response to speculation that has appeared in the past hours, Real Madrid announces that our team has never considered resignation from tomorrow’s finals. Our club believes that unfortunate and inappropriate statements of the referees who have been delegated to this match cannot be announced just 24 hours before the finals, they cannot disappoint a sporting event of worldwide importance that hundreds of millions of people will watch.
Real Madrid CF

Despite participating in the final, Real Madrid’s continued criticism suggests that the controversy is far from resolved.

Potential Referee Replacement?

According to sources connected to Real Madrid, there is an expectation that the RFEF might withdraw the appointed referees due to the controversies sparked by their statements. Though, the competition management has stated that no official request for their dismissal has been submitted. The RFEF now faces a critical decision that could significantly impact the perception of fairness and impartiality in the Copa del Rey final.