Madrid – Tension flares ahead of the Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid refuses to participate in key pre-match activities. The club has withdrawn from the official press conference and open training session. This dramatic boycott is a direct response to comments made by match officials regarding pressure from Real Madrid TV.
The officials involved, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, made statements that angered the club. De Burgos Bengoetxea spoke emotionally about the personal toll of criticism, revealing his child faced taunts at school calling him a ‘thief’.
Madrid Issues Fierce Response
Real Madrid released a strong statement calling the referees’ remarks “unacceptable.” The club accused the officials of showing “clear and manifest animosity and hostility” towards them. Madrid specifically criticized Gonzalez Fuertes’ suggestion that referees might take collective action against Real Madrid TV, labelling it “threatening” and contrary to impartiality. Reports now suggest Real Madrid is demanding different referees for the final against Barcelona. The club might even extend the Real Madrid boycott to the match itself if their demands are ignored.
Referees Warn of Measures
This escalating dispute significantly raises tensions before the crucial final. Gonzalez Fuertes had previously warned that referees could take “much more serious measures” concerning Real Madrid TV’s broadcasts. “We will not continue to allow what is happening,” he stated. The controversy fuels the intense debate in Spain surrounding referee treatment and the influence of powerful club media outlets.
Abdullah Korede
