Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea Opens Up About Pressure from Real Madrid

Copa del Rey final referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea breaks down in tears over Real Madrid TV's attacks, citing personal impact on his family.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea became emotional when discussing the pressure he's faced from Real Madrid TV this season. De Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, said the attacks have affected him personally.

“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,” he said, visibly moved by the experience. Real Madrid TV had launched a video attacking him, part of a pattern of targeting referees this season.

“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.

“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.”

🚨 Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (tomorrow's referee) broke down in tears during the press conference today, saying, “What we’re going through isn’t fair. It’s heartbreaking when my son goes to school and has to hear stuff like his father is a thief.”

Reminder: Real Madrid TV has… pic.twitter.com/nb9CmcXfcy

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) April 25, 2025

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.”

Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the referee in charge of VAR for the final, 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.”