Real Madrid say they never considered boycotting the Copa del Rey final despite blasting ‘unacceptable’ comments made by officials after a tearful interview from the match referee.
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate the cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, broke down in tears during a press conference on Friday after being asked about Real Madrid TV videos attacking referees.
A video released on Thursday by Real’s in-house service claimed Madrid won 64 per cent of their games refereed by De Burgos Bengoetxea, compared to 81 per cent 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.
Real Madrid cancelled media duties and the official training session prior to the final after De Burgos Bengoetxea’s interview, before later confirming that they would still play in the game.
“In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final,” a Real Madrid statement read.
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea is set to referee Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees designated for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people, and out of respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been manifested once again today against our club by the referees appointed for the final.”
It is the latest development in an ongoing feud between Spanish officials and Real.
Earlier this season Real lodged a letter of complaint against the Spanish league’s referees, prompting LaLiga president Javier Tebas to accuse the club of “losing their minds”.
Concerns about abuse directed at referees prompted the RFEF to issue a statement in February after Jose Munuera Montero was the subject of a backlash after sending off Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
Emotional De Burgos Bengoetxea hits back at Madrid TV video
A tearful De Burgos Bengoetxea said: “Look, we are talking a lot about Real Madrid TV videos and it is truth that it is a lot of media attention about it, but I am going to give you a few samples of things that are happening to colleagues and then you give me your opinion about it.
“When your child goes to school and is told their father is a thief by other kids, that’s really tough.
“All I’m trying to do is educate my son, so he knows his father is honest, especially honest, but that also makes mistakes like any other person, and that’s really tough and I won’t wish that to anybody.
“But the day I retire I want my son to feel proud about what his father did and refereeing and its values. Everything that we are going through not just in professional football, that’s affecting our families, but also in the grassroots football.
“So, it is time for everyone to reflect what we want to do and what we want to achieve in sport and in football. OK? I just wanted you to know about it.”
Later on Friday, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) posted on social media: “Real Madrid CF has informed the RFEF that it will not hold the press conference or the official training session prior to the Copa del Rey final scheduled for today at La Cartuja stadium in Seville.”
The VAR for Saturday’s final, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, had earlier said that officials will soon take action due to the continuous pressure they face.
“We are going to start taking real action, we are not going to continue to allow what is happening,” he said.
“In a few days you all will see. We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with. A strike? You will have news from us soon.”
Real Madrid call on RFEF to ‘act accordingly’
In response to the comments, a Real Madrid statement read: “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.”
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham protests to the referee after being shown a red card against Osasuna
Real’s feud with Spanish referees reached a new level following Bellingham’s sending off in February.
Earlier that month, Real Madrid wrote a formal letter to the RFEF after a 1-0 defeat by Espanyol, with the winner scored by Carlos Romero – who Real felt should have already been sent off for a late challenge on Kylian Mbappe.
The club was also left incensed by a VAR-awarded penalty given to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid which saw the Madrid derby end in a 1-1 draw a week later.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Bay Dream Believer chases the four-timer at Southwell
We have a busy day of racing on Thursday with action from Lingfield, Southwell and Sedgefield, live on Sky Sports Racing.1.50 Southwell - Bay Dream Believer chases four-timerMark Walford's mare Bay Dream Believer will bid to record a fourth consecutive victory in the Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Fillies' Handicap. The six-year-old was on an 11-race losing streak before turning up at Doncaster at the start of last month and has since recorded two more successes, both at Ripon. The mare steps up beyond a mile and a quarter for the first time since November 2024 and will run off her all-weather mark here which is 6lb lower than her turf mark.Richard Fahey and Oisin Orr team up with Mystical Maria who will be bidding to follow up her recent win at Redcar 12 days ago with another success here […]
Villeneuve: Ferrari ‘way off’ going into home Monza race
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve says Ferrari are “way off” going into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.Ferrari had a nightmare race in Zandvoort after Lewis Hamilton crashed and Charles Leclerc was hit by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and also retired. Post-race, Hamilton was given a five-grid place penalty for this Sunday's race in Monza for failing to slow sufficiently under double-waved yellow flags on the reconnaissance laps to the grid in Zandvoort.Ferrari traditionally perform strongly at the Italian Grand Prix, even in seasons when they are not competing for the championship but Villeneuve is unsure this time around."Normally they have a special engine, special car, but I don't expect that this year," he said on Sky Sports F1's latest episode of The F1 Show podcast. "They are way off. The car is not working. Normally the car is kind of […]
Can your NFL team win the Super Bowl?
The 2025 NFL season is here. While some teams gear up for a Super Bowl charge, others take the next steps in a rebuild. And some are just here for the ride. Can your team win Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara next February? We cast an eye over all 32 clubs as they seek to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles... AFC EastBuffalo BillsJosh Allen and his Bills have lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, including two AFC Championship Game defeats. The reigning league MVP is knocking on the door louder than anybody in the NFL amid an era-defining rivalry with Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs; his time is coming, and it might be now. Allen has combined for at least 40 passing and rushing touchdowns across a record five successive seasons while elevating his offense […]
From beloved Bulldog to controversial Cane: Carson Beck’s journey splits Georgia nation
Back on November 2, 2024, Carson Beckstepped into the spotlight, not just for his on-field stats, but for the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Despite throwing three interceptions against Florida, Beck finished with 309 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia left Jacksonville with a 34-20 win, and Beck, celebrating wildly with fans, looked like a hometown hero. But while the scoreboard leaned in his favor, a viral locker room video later painted a more complex picture.Travis Hunter joins Trevor Lawrence in viral ad and sparks Jaguars' new eraAfter the game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart gathered his team and called out Beck, both literally and figuratively. "Carson Beck, get over here. It's your city. Get your a** up," Smart said. "It's hard playing that position. It's hard when people want to criticize you... He didn't play his best game. But I know […]
Scintillating Sinner surges into the US Open semi-finals against Auger-Aliassime
World No 1 Jannik Sinner surged into the US Open semi-finals against Felix Auger-Aliassime after another dominant display at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.Defending champion Sinner continued his ruthless run by easing past fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-1 6-4 6-2 to ease into his fifth straight Grand Slam semi-final. The top seed extended his hardcourt winning streak to 26 matches and a will against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday would send him through to his fourth major final this year. Instagram This content is provided by Instagram, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we […]
Week 1 Fantasy Film Room: 4 offenses we are excited to watch + Cowboys-Eagles preview and prop bets
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy ForecastFantasy Film Room is back for another season as Nate Tice joins Matt Harmon every Wednesday to maximize film study for fantasy gains. The two identify four offenses they are excited about watching in Week 1 in hopes of figuring out clues to questions we’ve had all offseason for these teams. Nate then shares one thing he’s nerding out about heading into Week 1. The two then preview Cowboys-Eagles and share their favorite prop bets for the game.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(3:05) - Fantasy fallout: Jets lose OG Vera-Tucker for the season(9:30) - Fantasy Film Room: 4 offenses we are excited to watch in Week 1(10:25) - Minnesota Vikings: What if JJ McCarthy is good?(17:20) - Chicago Bears: How long will it take for Ben Johnson to get this rolling?(25:25) - Jacksonville Jaguars: What will this run game look like?(34:50) […]
Related
Bay Dream Believer chases the four-timer at Southwell
We have a busy day of racing on Thursday with action from Lingfield, Southwell and Sedgefield, live on Sky Sports Racing.1.50 Southwell - Bay Dream Believer chases four-timerMark Walford's mare Bay Dream Believer will bid to record a fourth consecutive victory in the Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Fillies' Handicap. The six-year-old was on an 11-race losing streak before turning up at Doncaster at the start of last month and has since recorded two more successes, both at Ripon. The mare steps up beyond a mile and a quarter for the first time since November 2024 and will run off her all-weather mark here which is 6lb lower than her turf mark.Richard Fahey and Oisin Orr team up with Mystical Maria who will be bidding to follow up her recent win at Redcar 12 days ago with another success here […]
Can your NFL team win the Super Bowl?
The 2025 NFL season is here. While some teams gear up for a Super Bowl charge, others take the next steps in a rebuild. And some are just here for the ride. Can your team win Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara next February? We cast an eye over all 32 clubs as they seek to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles... AFC EastBuffalo BillsJosh Allen and his Bills have lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, including two AFC Championship Game defeats. The reigning league MVP is knocking on the door louder than anybody in the NFL amid an era-defining rivalry with Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs; his time is coming, and it might be now. Allen has combined for at least 40 passing and rushing touchdowns across a record five successive seasons while elevating his offense […]
Villeneuve: Ferrari ‘way off’ going into home Monza race
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve says Ferrari are “way off” going into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.Ferrari had a nightmare race in Zandvoort after Lewis Hamilton crashed and Charles Leclerc was hit by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and also retired. Post-race, Hamilton was given a five-grid place penalty for this Sunday's race in Monza for failing to slow sufficiently under double-waved yellow flags on the reconnaissance laps to the grid in Zandvoort.Ferrari traditionally perform strongly at the Italian Grand Prix, even in seasons when they are not competing for the championship but Villeneuve is unsure this time around."Normally they have a special engine, special car, but I don't expect that this year," he said on Sky Sports F1's latest episode of The F1 Show podcast. "They are way off. The car is not working. Normally the car is kind of […]
From beloved Bulldog to controversial Cane: Carson Beck’s journey splits Georgia nation
Back on November 2, 2024, Carson Beckstepped into the spotlight, not just for his on-field stats, but for the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Despite throwing three interceptions against Florida, Beck finished with 309 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia left Jacksonville with a 34-20 win, and Beck, celebrating wildly with fans, looked like a hometown hero. But while the scoreboard leaned in his favor, a viral locker room video later painted a more complex picture.Travis Hunter joins Trevor Lawrence in viral ad and sparks Jaguars' new eraAfter the game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart gathered his team and called out Beck, both literally and figuratively. "Carson Beck, get over here. It's your city. Get your a** up," Smart said. "It's hard playing that position. It's hard when people want to criticize you... He didn't play his best game. But I know […]
Scintillating Sinner surges into the US Open semi-finals against Auger-Aliassime
World No 1 Jannik Sinner surged into the US Open semi-finals against Felix Auger-Aliassime after another dominant display at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.Defending champion Sinner continued his ruthless run by easing past fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-1 6-4 6-2 to ease into his fifth straight Grand Slam semi-final. The top seed extended his hardcourt winning streak to 26 matches and a will against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday would send him through to his fourth major final this year. Instagram This content is provided by Instagram, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we […]
Week 1 Fantasy Film Room: 4 offenses we are excited to watch + Cowboys-Eagles preview and prop bets
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy ForecastFantasy Film Room is back for another season as Nate Tice joins Matt Harmon every Wednesday to maximize film study for fantasy gains. The two identify four offenses they are excited about watching in Week 1 in hopes of figuring out clues to questions we’ve had all offseason for these teams. Nate then shares one thing he’s nerding out about heading into Week 1. The two then preview Cowboys-Eagles and share their favorite prop bets for the game.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement(3:05) - Fantasy fallout: Jets lose OG Vera-Tucker for the season(9:30) - Fantasy Film Room: 4 offenses we are excited to watch in Week 1(10:25) - Minnesota Vikings: What if JJ McCarthy is good?(17:20) - Chicago Bears: How long will it take for Ben Johnson to get this rolling?(25:25) - Jacksonville Jaguars: What will this run game look like?(34:50) […]
Be the first to leave a comment