Ahead of the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid has reportedly cancelled their planned open training session, press conference, and team dinner, according to Spanish outlet Marca. This action follows the Spanish Football Federation`s refusal to change the appointed match officials, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, for Saturday`s final in Sevilla. Real Madrid contends that comments made by Gonzalez Fuertes disqualify him from overseeing the match.
The club`s request for a change in referee appointments was rejected by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). At a pre-final press conference, both officials addressed the criticism and abuse they have faced regarding their selection for the match, with Gonzalez Fuertes specifically mentioning attacks from Real Madrid`s official television channel, `Real Madrid TV`.
`I`m going to talk about those videos… More than what`s being said, it`s the consequences of what`s being said. We`re seeing anonymous people on social media insulting and threatening without any control. Official club social media managers are continually attacking our community, in addition to player actions and statements that give rise to the belief that we`re not being honest in our decisions. 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 child`s game. It`s the consequence of putting the target on a teammate`s head. It`s good and healthy for everyone to return to a healthier style of football,` Gonzalez Fuertes said.
This incident is the latest in a series of complaints from Real Madrid regarding officiating throughout the season. In February, the club even released an open letter alleging that Spanish refereeing was “rigged and completely discredited.”
Real Madrid`s Official Stance
“Los Blancos” subsequently released an official statement reiterating their demand for a change in the referee appointment before the final.
`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,` Real Madrid said in a statement.
`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 maintains that Gonzalez Fuertes`s public comments compromise his ability to remain impartial and necessitate his replacement. This latest controversy adds to a season marked by multiple complaints from the club regarding refereeing decisions.
Earlier Incidents
One notable incident occurred in a February match against Espanyol, where Real Madrid felt disadvantaged by refereeing decisions in a 1-0 loss. This match was a catalyst for the club`s open letter, particularly concerning a controversial foul call that resulted in only a yellow card after a VAR review, despite Real Madrid`s view it warranted a red. Espanyol went on to score the winning goal, hindering Real Madrid`s position in the tight La Liga title race.
This incident, among others, has been central to the narrative pushed by Real Madrid and Real Madrid TV regarding perceived unfair treatment from referees. The club and its media arm have since scrutinized numerous calls throughout the season, including Jude Bellingham`s red card for dissent during a match against Osasuna. This ongoing tension has now peaked just before the Copa del Rey final, presenting the Spanish Federation with a significant challenge.
What Happens Next
Although Real Madrid is pushing for a change in the refereeing team, there are currently no indications that this will happen. It remains uncertain whether the club will take further action, potentially even protesting participation in the final. However, it is certain that the performance of the appointed officials during the match will be subject to intense scrutiny. The RFEF has already dismissed Real Madrid`s initial appeal for a change, but the club`s official statement suggests they consider the matter far from resolved.
Dominic Ashworth