The buildup to Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been overshadowed by an escalating dispute between match officials and Real Madrid, though the club has firmly denied considering a boycott of the prestigious fixture.
The controversy erupted after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea delivered an emotional press conference, breaking down while describing how criticism from Real Madrid TV had affected his family. “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 revealed, highlighting the personal toll of media scrutiny.
The situation intensified when VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes announced impending “historic” measures against Real Madrid TV’s coverage of officials, prompting the club to cancel their pre-match press activities featuring Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric.
While speculation grew about a potential Madrid withdrawal from the final, the club issued a statement affirming their commitment to participate, though they criticized the officials’ “hostility and animosity.” Madrid emphasized that “football’s values must prevail” and cited their responsibility to fans traveling to Seville for the match.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Copa del Rey Final
The root of the controversy stems from Real Madrid TV’s controversial broadcast analyzing De Burgos’s previous decisions in Madrid matches and highlighting his lack of experience in major international tournaments. The channel’s practice of scrutinizing officials has become increasingly contentious throughout the season.
This latest episode adds another layer of tension to Spanish football’s most celebrated rivalry, as both teams prepare to contest for one of domestic football’s most prestigious trophies at La Cartuja stadium. The match represents a crucial opportunity for both sides, with Barcelona seeking to salvage their season with silverware and Real Madrid aiming to maintain their pursuit of multiple trophies.
