Real Madrid Withdraw from Copa del Rey Action, Condemns ‘Unacceptable’ Comments from Referees

On Friday, Real Madrid expressed that the complaints from the referees overseeing the Copa del Rey final regarding alleged pressure from the club’s television channel were ‘unacceptable,’ subsequently opting out of scheduled pre-match events.

“These remarks, made strategically just 24 hours before the final against one of the competing teams, illustrate yet again the blatant animosity and hostility these referees hold towards Real Madrid,” the reigning champions stated ahead of Saturday’s cup final in Seville.

Real Madrid’s decision to withdraw from planned activities related to the Copa del Rey final on Friday stemmed from their discontent with comments made by the match officials earlier that day, as reported by the club’s representatives in Seville.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for Saturday’s clash with rivals Barcelona, was visibly emotional while discussing the pressure officials have felt from Real Madrid TV throughout the season.

The Spanish champions boycotted the press briefing, the open training session with the media, the customary presidents’ dinner, and a pre-match photo opportunity.

“Real Madrid regards the public comments made by the referees of the Copa del Rey final as unacceptable,” the club articulated in their statement.

Real Madrid took particular umbrage with VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, hinting at a collective stance among referees aiming to take action against the perceived pressure imposed by Real Madrid TV.

“Even more astonishing are the statements made in a threatening tone… suggesting alleged actions that stray entirely from the tenets of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should dominate mere hours before (the final),” added the Madrid statement.

“Given the gravity of the situation, Real Madrid calls upon those in charge of the RFEF and the refereeing community to respond accordingly, implementing necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of the institutions they represent.”

Reports from Spanish media indicate that Madrid is seeking a change of referees for the final, stating they might not participate if their demands are unmet.

Earlier this week, the club’s television channel released a video criticising the referee designated for the final, a tactic they have employed against various officials throughout the season.

“Real Madrid has informed the RFEF that they will not attend the press conference or the scheduled training session leading up to the (final),” the Spanish football federation announced.

Additionally, in February, Los Blancos issued an open letter declaring that Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited.”

Real Madrid has a history of boycotts; in October, they withdrew from the Ballon d’Or ceremony due to winger Vinicius Junior not being recognised as the best player in the world.

“Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club remarked at that time.

‘It’s totally messed up’

De Burgos Bengoetxea reflected on the impact that criticism from Real Madrid’s television channel is having on his personal life.

“It’s truly distressing when your child goes to school and other kids are calling him a ‘thief’, prompting him to come home in tears,” De Burgos Bengoetxea conveyed during a press conference, becoming emotional.

“I do my utmost to teach my son that his father is honest, fundamentally honest, who can sometimes make mistakes, like any athlete,” he added, visibly moved.

“This situation is profoundly upsetting… yet when I eventually leave this profession, I want my son to feel proud of who I am and what refereeing represents, as it has instilled many values in us.”

While wiping away tears, the 39-year-old urged for more profound consideration regarding referee abuse.

“What we are enduring isn’t right; many colleagues, not just in professional football, but also at grassroots levels, are facing similar issues,” he noted.

“Everyone must reflect on where we want to head in sports and in football.”

Gonzalez Fuertes indicated that referees may take further measures concerning Real Madrid TV’s broadcasts in the upcoming weeks.

“Rest assured, we will need to start implementing much more serious actions than we currently are,” said Gonzalez Fuertes.

“We can no longer tolerate what is happening. You will hear from us soon.

“We are going to make history, because we refuse to continue enduring this treatment.”