'Unacceptable': Real Madrid issue statement over referee controversy amid talk of Copa del Rey final boycott | OneFootball

Real Madrid are due to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night but controversy has ensued

Statement: Real Madrid

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Real Madrid have issued a statement regarding controversy surrounding Saturday night’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who will take charge of the El Clasico showdown in Seville, broke down in tears whilst revealing the pressure Real Madrid's TV channel has put officials under this season.

The Real Madrid TV video claimed that Madrid won 64% of its games refereed by De Burgos, compared to 81% won by Barcelona under his watch.

An unnamed voice called it "an incredible difference" while also questioning his talent and showing images of his alleged errors. The video was accompanied by dramatic music. It failed to say who the opponents were in those matches or if they were played home or away.

Reacting to the video, an emotional De Burgos told a news conference on Friday: "To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.

“What I do is tell my son that his father is honorable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honorable. I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.

“Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with."

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea

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However, Real Madrid have hit back by claiming the statements made by Saturday’s officials are “unacceptable”.

A statement reads: “Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable.

“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 and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent.”

There have been unconfirmed reports in Spain that Real Madrid are considering boycotting the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona after their request to eject head referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was rejected by the Spanish football federation.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.