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Daily Express
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
Madrid boycott Copa final build-up over ref comments
Published on: Sunday, April 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025 By: AFP Text Size: The main match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (right), welled up when speaking earlier Friday about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV over the past few months. SEVILLE: Real Madrid lashed out at the Copa del Rey final referees on the eve of Saturday's match, labelling complaints about pressure from the club's television channel 'unacceptable' and boycotting all planned pre-match activities in protest. 'These statements... made in a premeditated manner 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid,' said Los Blancos in a statement. Real Madrid refused to take part in the usual press conference, the open training in front of media, the traditional presidents' dinner and a pre-match photo-call. Spanish media reported Madrid were considering boycotting the final itself if the referees were not changed, but the reigning La Liga champions released another statement denying that. 'Our team has never considered not playing in tomorrow's final,' said Madrid. This week, the club's television channel aired a new video attacking the referee for the final at La Cartuja in Seville, something they have done to various officials this season. The main match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, welled up when speaking earlier Friday about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV over the past few months. 'Real Madrid considers the public statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees unacceptable,' said the club in their initial statement. Madrid took particular issue with the final's VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes suggesting referees were 'united' and looking to take collective action against the pressure they had received from Real Madrid TV. Madrid said his words had 'a threatening tone' and suggested action would be taken that was 'far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality' necessary for the final. 'In view of the seriousness of what has happened, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the RFEF and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, adopting the relevant measures in defence of the prestige of the institutions they represent,' added Madrid. Los Blancos published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was 'rigged' and 'completely discredited'. Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d'Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world. 'Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,' the club said at the time. De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect criticism from Real Madrid's television channel was having on his family life. '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 Bengoetxea told a news conference. 'What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson,' he continued, becoming emotional. Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse. 'Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football,' he added. Gonzalez Fuertes had suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV's broadcasts in the coming weeks. 'Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,' said Gonzalez Fuertes. 'We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us. 'We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.' Madrid's behaviour drew ire from La Liga chief Javier Tebas. 'This is not football, this is about control of power,' said Tebas. '(Madrid) leaks that they will not turn up at the cup final, what thin skin... they don't want to improve football, they want their own football.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Jordan Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Real Madrid boycott Copa final build-up amid 'unacceptable' ref statements
A Barcelona supporter gestures in front of Real Madrid supporters on a bridge over the Guadalquivir River before the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF in Seville, on April 26, 2025 (AFP photo) Seville, Spain, April 25, 2025 — Real Madrid lashed out at the Copa del Rey final referees on the eve of Saturday's match, labelling complaints about pressure from the club's television channel "unacceptable" and boycotting all planned pre-match activities in protest. "These statements... made in a premeditated manner 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid," said Los Blancos in a statement. Real Madrid refused to take part in the usual press conference, the open training in front of media, the traditional presidents' dinner and a pre-match photo-call. Spanish media reported Madrid were considering boycotting the final itself if the referees were not changed, but the reigning La Liga champions released another statement denying that. "Our team has never considered not playing in tomorrow's final," said Madrid. This week, the club's television channel aired a new video attacking the referee for the final at La Cartuja in Seville, something they have done to various officials this season. The main match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, welled up when speaking earlier Friday about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV over the past few months. "Real Madrid considers the public statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees unacceptable," said the club in their initial statement. Madrid took particular issue with the final's VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes suggesting referees were "united" and looking to take collective action against the pressure they had received from Real Madrid TV. Madrid said his words had "a threatening tone" and suggested action would be taken that was "far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality" necessary for the final. "In view of the seriousness of what has happened, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the RFEF and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, adopting the relevant measures in defence of the prestige of the institutions they represent," added Madrid. Los Blancos published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was "rigged" and "completely discredited". Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d'Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world. "Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected," the club said at the time. - 'It's totally messed up' - De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect criticism from Real Madrid's television channel was having on his family life. "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 Bengoetxea told a news conference. "What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson," he continued, becoming emotional. Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse. "Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football," he added. Gonzalez Fuertes had suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV's broadcasts in the coming weeks. "Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking," said Gonzalez Fuertes. "We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us. "We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with." Madrid's behaviour drew ire from La Liga chief Javier Tebas. "This is not football, this is about control of power," said Tebas. "(Madrid) leaks that they will not turn up at the cup final, what thin skin... they don't want to improve football, they want their own football."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona v Real Madrid Copa del Rey predicted lineups: Key striker questions for Flick and Ancelotti
Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in tonight's Copa del Rey final on the back of a storm of controversy from the Los Blancos camp. A sensational 48 hours of build-up has been dominated by Real Madrid's war against officialdom in Spanish football with a late appeal sent to the RFEF. Advertisement Real Madrid were left frustrated by the decision to name Ricardo de Burgoes Bengoetxea as the match referee and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes as VAR. The club believe the call should have been reviewed ahead of the final and they submitted a formal request to the RFEF as a sensational twist before the showdown with La Blaugrana. Gonzalez Fuertes openly criticised Real Madrid TV's infamous pre-game referee videos which triggered a wave of outrage from Real Madrid over claims of possible bias towards them. The situation was resolved at the 11th hour with Real Madrid issuing a fresh statement denying rumours they were considering a boycott of the final itself. Advertisement With the matter now settled, Carlo Ancelotti is keen to focus on matters on the pitch, as he chases a domestic double against Hansi Flick's treble hunters. A late call will be made on the fitness of Kylian Mbappe with the France captain rated at 50-50 due to an ankle injury picked up in the UEFA Champions League exit against Arsenal. Image via Diario AS As per reports from Diario AS, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy will come in from the midweek win at Getafe. Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham will also start but captain Luka Modric's position depends on Mbappe. Barcelona will also reshuffle from their win over Mallorca – with Robert Lewandowski ruled out despite travelling with the squad – meaning a start for Ferran Torres. Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong will also rotate back into the team but Dani Olmo will keep his spot after scoring the winner against Mallorca.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid consider Copa del Rey final boycott as referee row explodes
The 2024/25 Copa del Rey could be plunged into chaos with Real Madrid reportedly considering a boycott of their clash with Barcelona. The two El Clasico rivals face off at the Estadio La Cartuja on April 26 but Real Madrid have fired a string of shots at the RFEF. Advertisement Los Blancos are furious with decision to name Ricardo de Burgoes Bengoetxea as the match referee and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes as VAR. The club believe the decision should be reviewed ahead of the final and they have since submitted a formal request to the RFEF as a sensational twist. The issue focuses on Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR for the final, and his criticism of their infamous referee videos released by Real Madrid TV before selected games, with Burgoes Bengoetxea in tears in a press conference due to the criticism and the pressure he has been receiving. Image via Juanjo Martín / Diario AS As the saga rolls on, and Real Madrid demand a last minute change of officials, the stakes have been ramped up, with tonight's training session and press conference both cancelled. Advertisement Real Madrid will not take a backwards step on the matter as they believe keeping with the current officials could create a bias against them in the final. The stand-off has now placed the game in doubt with reports from Relevo claiming they will refuse to play in the final completely, unless a solution is reached. Florentino Perez will also not attend the traditional pre-game dinner ahead of the match and Los Blancos fans will await an update. Thousands have travelled to Andalucia for the final as Real Madrid seek to revive their season after a UEFA Champions League exit at the start of the month. Carlo Ancelotti's future is reportedly in the balance in the Spanish capital and he will hope the final is played to give him an opportunity to win a trophy in the final weeks of a mixed season.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid reject Copa del Rey rumours amid suspension rumour
Real Madrid have moved to end rumours over the club refusing to play in this weekend's Copa del Rey final with Barcelona. Los Blancos have caused a storm in the last 24 hours following the explosion of their row with the RFEF over the referee choice for the final. Advertisement Real Madrid were irked by the decision to name Ricardo de Burgoes Bengoetxea as the match referee and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes as VAR. The club believe the decision should be reviewed ahead of the final and they submitted a formal request to the RFEF as a sensational twist before the showdown with La Blaugrana. The issue focused on Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR for the final, and his criticism of their infamous referee videos released by Real Madrid TV before selected games, with Burgoes Bengoetxea in tears in a press conference due to the criticism and the pressure he has been receiving. Image via Juanjo Martín / Diario AS As the saga rolled on, Real Madrid demanded a last minute change of officials, as the stakes were ramped up, with tonight's training session and press conference cancelled. Advertisement The stand-off has had placed the game in doubt with reports from Relevo claiming they will refuse to play in the final completely, unless a solution is reached. Florentino Perez will also not attend the traditional pre-game dinner ahead of the match and Los Blancos fans will await an update. As Real Madrid fans waited for an update, the club have stepped in with a confirmation they will play the final, as they refute the rumours surrounding the issue. Carlo Ancelotti's team were reportedly in danger of being banned from the competition, with the RFEF prepared to sanction a rescheduled final between Barcelona and Real Sociedad, but the match will now take place as planned in Sevilla with global eyes on it.
