Real Madrid’s official television channel (RMTV) has sparked controversy by releasing a critical analysis of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, raising questions about potential attempts to influence officiating.
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The contentious broadcast highlighted statistical disparities in the club’s performance under Bengoechea’s officiating, noting Real Madrid’s 64% win rate compared to Barcelona’s 81% in matches he has overseen. RMTV also emphasized the referee’s limited international experience, pointing out his absence from major UEFA Champions League fixtures and FIFA tournaments despite being an international referee since 2018.
This latest controversy adds another layer of tension to what is already a highly anticipated El Clásico, the third meeting between these rivals this season. Barcelona, having won the previous two encounters, seeks to add another trophy to their cabinet, while Real Madrid aims to bounce back from their recent Champions League elimination.
The timing of RMTV’s criticism has drawn scrutiny from football observers, who view it as potentially inappropriate pressure from an official club channel. This practice, while not unprecedented for RMTV, raises ethical questions about the relationship between clubs and match officials.
The video presentation included detailed analysis of specific decisions, including contested VAR calls and an allegedly incorrect offside decision that nullified a Real Madrid goal. The channel supported its claims with fan footage and detailed breakdowns of controversial moments from previous matches.
This incident reflects broader tensions in Spanish football regarding officiating standards and club-referee relationships. Similar controversies have emerged in other major European leagues, where the line between legitimate criticism and attempted influence remains debated.
The Copa del Rey final represents a crucial moment for both clubs, with Real Madrid seeking to prevent Barcelona from securing another domestic trophy and maintaining their dominance in recent Clásico encounters.
