Real Madrid Demands For Removal Of Copa Del Rey Referees Due To ‘Unacceptable’ Views

After the referee broke down in tears at a press conference, Real Madrid called remarks made by match officials who would oversee their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona “unacceptable.”

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and VAR Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes should be dismissed from Saturday’s El Clasico in Seville, the defending La Liga champions said in a sharply worded statement.

In reaction to media “rumours,” Real later declared that they had “never considered refusing to play” in the silverware match at Estadio La Cartuja.

Bilbao-born De Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears in front of the journalists as he disclosed the pressure Real Madrid’s television station had placed on referees.

This season, the 39-year-old is the most recent official to receive criticism on Real Madrid TV. This week, a film was published that highlighted his alleged errors, the fact that he has never officiated in the Champions League or FIFA competitions, and the victory percentages of Barca and Real when he has been in charge of their matches.

During a tearful news conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea declared, “It’s not right what we are going through,” while VAR Gonzalez Fuertes cautioned that officials might take action due to the broadcasts.

After reportedly skipping their Friday scheduled media appearances, Real Madrid complained about the referees’ “clear and manifest animosity and hostility” toward the team.

“Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey final to be unacceptable,” read a statement on the club website.

“These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final’s participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid.

“Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone, alluding to the referees’ unity, were used to announce alleged measures or actions that fall far short of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

“Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent.”

Real complained in writing to Spain’s High Council for Sports and RFEF in February, claiming that Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited.”

Later, RFEF brought attention to referees’ worries about misuse by bringing up the case of Jose Munuera Montero, who was criticized for sending Jude Bellingham, an England international for Madrid, off the field.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team enters the final hoping to salvage a lackluster campaign as tensions are high. With five games remaining, Real Madrid is four points behind Barcelona in La Liga. They were eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal last week.

The two times the clubs have faced each other this season, Barca has prevailed 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu and 5-2 at the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

Ferran Torres has been backed by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to step in for injured star Robert Lewandowski.