Copa del Rey Final: Real Madrid Boycotts Activities Over Referee Remarks

Real Madrid boycotts Copa del Rey final activities, citing 'unacceptable' comments from referees ahead of Saturday's match against Barcelona.

Real Madrid pulled out of pre-match activities for the Copa del Rey final, criticizing the tournament's referees for their “unacceptable” comments. The club responded strongly after the referees spoke out about pressure from Real Madrid TV.

“These statements... made in a premeditated manner 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid,” the club stated, expressing their discontent ahead of Saturday's final against Barcelona in Seville.

Real Madrid boycotted Copa del Rey final activities, including a press conference, open training, the presidents' dinner, and a pre-match photo-call. The club's decision came after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke out about pressure from Real Madrid TV.

“Real Madrid considers the public statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees unacceptable,” the club stated, expressing their disapproval ahead of Saturday's match against Barcelona.

Real Madrid specifically targeted VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, criticizing his comments about collective action against pressure from Real Madrid TV. The club found the remarks particularly egregious given the timing, just hours before the Copa del Rey final.

“Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone... to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before (the final),” Madrid stated, expressing their strong disapproval.

Real Madrid demanded action from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in response to the referees' comments, stating, “In view of the seriousness of what has happened, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the RFEF and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, adopting the relevant measures in defence of the prestige of the institutions they represent.”

The club's stance has led to speculation that Madrid may demand a change of referees for the final or even refuse to play if their demands aren't met. This comes after Real Madrid TV launched a video attacking the final's referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. “Real Madrid told the RFEF they will not take part in the press conference or the official training session looking forward to the (final),” the RFEF confirmed.

Real Madrid has a history of controversy with referees, having published an open letter in February accusing Spanish refereeing of being “rigged” and “completely discredited.” The club has also shown a willingness to boycott events when they feel their interests aren't respected.

“Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club said after skipping the Ballon d'Or ceremony in October because Vinicius Junior wasn't named the best player. This precedent suggests Real Madrid won't hesitate to take a strong stance when they feel disrespected.

It's absolutely outrageous

De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect that criticism from Real Madrid's television channel was having on his family life.

“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,” De Burgos Bengoetxea told a news conference.

“What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson,” he continued, becoming emotional.

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“This is really messed up... but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is, it has given us many values.”

Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse.

“It's not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level,” he added.

“Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”

Gonzalez Fuertes had suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV's broadcasts in the coming weeks.

“Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” said Gonzalez Fuertes.

“We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.

“We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.”