Latest news with #RicardoDeBurgosBengoetxea
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Crying referees, build-up boycott: What is going on at Real Madrid before Copa del Rey final against Barcelona
File photo of referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea (R) with Real Madrid players during a Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla and Real Madrid at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville in October 2023. (AP) Real Madrid 's bid to win the Copa del Rey for the 21st time, against arch-rivals Barcelona , took a massive twist on the eve of the clash at Sevilla's Estadio de La Cartuja. Instead of the Copa del Rey final focusing on Real Madrid's much-needed title bid after the embarrassing exit in the Champions League vs Arsenal, it has taken an unexpected turn towards off-field matters with La Liga chief Javier Tebas also getting involved. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! What happened? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea , the referee appointed for the Copa del Rey final, addressed the media before the final. Referees holding a press conference is unconventional and raised quite a few eyebrows - not least at the Santiago Bernabeu and among the Real Madrid faithful. In the press conference, Bengoetxea became emotional while discussing the intense pressure he faces ahead of the match. He was questioned about a video released by Real Madrid's Club channel, Real Madrid TV, which highlighted his supposed mistakes in previous matches against them. This season RMTV have hit out at refereeing mistakes frequently and the club has refused to make its players available for mandatory media bytes with the official broadcaster for La Liga. When asked about the video, Bengoetxea could not hold back tears as he spoke about the impact on him and his family. "When your son comes back from school and other kids have said to him that his father is a thief, it's really hard," he said. "They have no right to make us go through this, but it's not just something between professionals; a lot of families depend on this, and everyone should take some time to reflect on what they are doing." Pablo Gonzalez Fuentes, who will serve as the VAR official for the Copa del Rey final, also criticised RMTV's actions. "They have to understand the consequences of these videos," he said, explaining that they lead to online campaigns against officials. "We're seeing community managers on official social media platforms attacking the community for just one more like. We see actions by football players that suggest we're dishonest. When a journalist talks about 'theft,' fans take that frustration out on the child who's about to referee a youth team. We must address these types of situations and return to a healthier and cleaner style of football," he commented. "The consequences are that when you talk about theft and bad language, the frustration you generate in the fans is paid for by the little boy or girl who grabs a whistle and has to officiate a junior's game. It's the consequence of putting the target on a teammate's head," he added. What did Real Madrid do in response? After the press conference by the officials, Real Madrid, who had finished training in the Spanish capital and were to leave for Seville later, went into a huddle on a possible response. In retaliation, Real Madrid refused to hold their open training session at La Cartuja (scheduled for 8pm), a press conference with under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti and a member of the squad. Additionally, Florentino Perez skipped the traditional presidents' dinner and the club missed the pre-match photo-call. In a statement on the club website, Real Madrid said the complaints by the referees were 'unacceptable'. "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 the Spanish league champions. Bombay Sport Exchange Episode 3: Kane Williamson exclusive on NextGen cricketers to watch out for Los Blancos took particular issue with the final's VAR referee Fuertes suggesting referees were "united" and looking to take collective action against the pressure they had received from Real Madrid TV. "Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone... to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before (the final)," continued Madrid's statement. "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." What do Real Madrid want? As per Spanish media, Real Madrid wanted the referees changed for the final and there were suggestions of the team pulling out of the competiiton and returning home. However at 10pm local time, Real Madrid rubbished those suggestions and claimed this option hadn't been considered. "In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow's final. "Real Madrid understands that football's values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final," said the statement. Madrid-based sports daily AS reported later there was a conversation between Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish FA , which oversees the Copa del Rey, and Real Madrid camp. It claims that RFEF acknowledged the inappropriateness of the comments made by the referees and made clear that Fuertes will not officiate Real Madrid matches for the rest of the season while leaving his role at the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
RFEF president confirms referees for Copa del Rey final won't be changed amid Real Madrid complaint
A while ago, Real Madrid issued an official statement lashing out against the comments made by referees Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes and asked the RFEF to take action against the pair. Real Madrid have been pushing for the Spanish Football Federation to replace the match officials for tomorrow's Copa del Rey final following their comments earlier in the press conference. Advertisement In fact, Los Blancos cancelled their press conference, training, and other official pre-match events today in protest and are even said to be considering walking away from the final. RFEF President shuts down talk of referee change However, now, RFEF president Rafael Louzan has come out and offered an update, stating that there will be no change of referees and that the final in Seville will go ahead as planned. 'The CTA [Technical Committee of Referees] has appointed a refereeing team, and that's the way it is,' said Louzan (h/t SPORT). 'I appeal for calm, responsibility, and common sense. I've already spoken with Real Madrid.' he added. Advertisement On being asked if the final will go ahead according to plan, Louzan replied: 'Of course, yes.' It now remains to be seen how Real Madrid respond to the situation and whether they are willing to play the game or opt to walk away.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid want RFEF to change the referees for the Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona
Real Madrid want RFEF to change the referees for the Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona Ahead of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona tomorrow night at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, there is some very interesting development coming in. Indeed, according to El Chiringuito TV, Real Madrid are demanding a change of referees for the final on Saturday. Advertisement As things stand, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea is the main referee for the Copa del Rey final, and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes will be the head VAR official. But, Los Blancos are now considering approaching the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to request a change of officials for the match. This comes in the aftermath of the referees' press conference earlier today when they hit out at the videos put up by Real Madrid TV highlighting their errors in the past games and criticising them. Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea is the main referee for the cup final. (Photo by) While De Burgos Bengoetxea stated that he is not bothered by the videos, he stated that the overall impact of such posts can be problematic for officials. Advertisement Meanwhile, Gonzalez Fuertes claimed that the referees are reaching their limit and that it is becoming unbearable, to the point of announcing that measures will be taken shortly. Following that, Real Madrid now believe that the two officials might not be impartial in tomorrow's high-stakes encounter and as such are seeking a change of referees. The RFEF, for its part, has not taken any action at this point but is waiting to see if an official request from Real Madrid arrives. If the Merengues do not make any movement in the next few hours, nothing will happen.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Just in – RFEF will not change referees for Barcelona vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey final
Just in – RFEF will not change referees for Barcelona vs Real Madrid Copa del Rey final As reported just a while back, Real Madrid are demanding a change of match officials for Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. The Merengues were stunned by the current referee, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, breaking down into tears in his press conference earlier today and have concerns about whether he is ready for such a big assignment. Advertisement Furthermore, comments made by the main VAR official, Gonzalez Fuertes, against the RMTV videos also caused them to question if the refereeing would be neutral. As such, Real Madrid wanted the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to replace the referees for the final in Seville. No changes But, according to fresh reports coming in from COPE, the RFEF has ruled out the possibility of making any changes to the match officials for the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes is the main VAR official for the cup final. (Photo by) The Spanish Federation sees the possibility of changing referees so close to the game as simply 'unfeasible' and as such, there will be no alterations made. Advertisement It means that De Burgos Bengoetxea will continue as the main referee for the cup final while Gonzalez Fuertes will remain the head VAR official. Real Madrid are going through a difficult period of late and it must also be noted that they have already suffered two heavy defeats at the hands of Barcelona this season. So, these tactics from the Spanish capital club ahead of the finals of the Copa del Rey tomorrow hardly come as surprising. As far as Barcelona are concerned, they will be aiming to stay away from all the noise and distraction and remain focused on the game and delivering another top performance against their arch-rivals just like they did in the Spanish Super Cup final in January.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Spanish Cup final referee cries over Real Madrid TV criticism
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Atletico Madrid v Las Palmas - Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - November 3, 2024 Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea gestures during the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) -Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for Saturday's Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, was brought to tears on Friday, responding to a critical video published by Real's in-house TV channel (RMTV). The video, released on Thursday, shows what RMTV says is a series of errors made by De Burgos throughout his career. The release is the latest in a string of edits by RMTV, criticising Spanish officials. De Burgos expressed his distress during a press conference, stating: "When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick." He went on to emphasise his integrity and the challenges faced by many officials, in professional football and at grassroots level. "What I do is try to educate my son to tell him that his father is an honest man, that he makes mistakes like any other sportsman. It's very hard, I don't recommend it to anyone... "It is not right what we are going through for many colleagues, not only in professional football, but also in grassroots football. Let everyone reflect on where we want to go, on what we want from sport and from football." There was no immediate response from Real Madrid regarding De Burgos' comments. Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR official for Saturday's final, said referees would 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." In February, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) highlighted referees' concerns over abuse, citing the case of official Jose Munuera Montero, who faced a backlash after issuing a red card to Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. A few weeks earlier, Real had also lodged a letter of complaint against the Spanish referees following their 1-0 defeat by Espanyol. (Reporting by Fernando KallasEditing by Toby Davis)
