On the eve of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, a storm erupted between Real and the match officials, disrupting preparations and casting a cloud over the prominent event in Spanish football. The dramatic events unfolded after Real Madrid accused the final’s refereeing team of holding “animosity and hostility” towards the club, following an emotional press conference given by match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

The referee was visibly emotional and broke down in tears while responding to a critical video aired on Real Madrid TV (RMTV), which showcased what it described as a series of officiating mistakes made by De Burgos during his career. The club, taken aback by the referee’s public reaction, subsequently refused to participate in all media obligations leading up to the final, a decision it stated was rooted in “unprecedented astonishment. ”

While the Spanish media reported extensively that Real considered boycotting the final, the club later clarified that it did not plan on taking such action.

A Real Madrid source informed Reuters that the press conference represented “a clear conflict of interest” and mentioned the club’s belief that the refereeing team should be replaced, although they had not made a formal request for changes.

Later that evening, Real issued a strongly worded statement, defending RMTV’s video under the concept of free speech and reaffirming their concerns regarding bias. “RMTV is protected by freedom of expression,” the club stated. “The match referees had a clear and manifest animosity and hostility. . . against Real Madrid. ”

Real urged the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and its Refereeing Committee to intervene: “In light of the seriousness of what has occurred, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible. . . will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to protect the prestige of the institutions they represent. ”

Referee's remarks

In a heartfelt moment, De Burgos told reporters, “When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you ill. ” Defending his character, he added, “What I do is attempt to educate my son to tell him that his father is an honest man, who makes mistakes just like any other athlete. It’s very difficult, I don’t recommend it to anyone. ”

He urged Spanish football to reflect: “It is not fair what we are undergoing for many colleagues. . . Let everyone think about where we wish to go, regarding what we want from sport and from football. ”

VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, who was seated next to De Burgos, hinted at potential collective action from referees. “In a few days you will all see. We are going to make history and we are not going to continue tolerating what we are enduring. A strike? You will hear news from us soon. ”

Real characterized these comments as “threatening” and inconsistent with the neutrality expected before such a significant fixture.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also commented, advocating for empathy and moderation: “In my view, it’s merely a sport. It’s just a game. It’s just football. . . It is our duty to safeguard not only the players but everyone associated with the game. ”

Read Also: MS Dhoni Loses Cool at Youngster Shaik Rasheed Over Costly Overthrow for CSK

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!