Real Madrid has boycotted the pre-Copa del Rey final in Sevilla over Referee’s emotional press conference by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The shock move comes just hours before the highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals Barcelona, setting the stage for one of the most politically charged finals in recent memory.
The Spanish giants, who were scheduled to attend multiple official events including a press conference, media-accessible training, the traditional club presidents’ dinner, and a pre-match photo session, announced their withdrawal following remarks made by the referee. De Burgos broke down in tears while addressing what he called “unacceptable” pressure and media harassment from Real Madrid’s in-house television network, RMTV.
In a striking statement, Real Madrid said the referee’s comments—echoed by the VAR official appointed for the final—exposed “a clear and evident bias and hostility toward Real Madrid,” calling the timing and tone of the referee’s remarks “intentionally provocative.” The club added that it considered the emotional press briefing a “serious conflict of interest,” and while it has not officially requested a change in the officiating team, it strongly hinted that the current crew lacks the neutrality required for such a high-stakes encounter.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has yet to issue a formal response, but the controversy has cast a dark cloud over the final’s preparations. The referee’s press conference was itself unprecedented; De Burgos, visibly distressed, addressed footage aired by RMTV on Thursday that accused him of numerous past mistakes against Real Madrid. The video is the latest in a series of editorial pieces by the club’s channel targeting Spanish referees.
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“What kind of world are we creating when a child goes to school and hears his classmates call his father a thief?” De Burgos said tearfully, highlighting the personal toll of constant public scrutiny. He also emphasized the pressure faced by referees at all levels of the sport, from La Liga to grassroots football.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick weighed in on the matter during his own media session, urging the footballing world to better protect referees from abuse and psychological stress. “Football is just a game. It’s not life or death,” Flick said. “We must protect not just the players, but everyone involved in the sport. What happened today is deeply unfortunate, and we must take action to prevent a repeat.”
As the clock ticks down to kickoff at the Estadio de La Cartuja, all eyes are not only on the pitch but also on the tension boiling over off it. The Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry has always been fiery, but this latest development adds an emotional and controversial layer that is likely to dominate headlines beyond the final whistle.
With tempers flaring and questions swirling around the integrity of officiating, Saturday’s Copa del Rey final promises more than just football — it’s shaping up to be a defining moment in the ongoing power struggle between clubs and referees in Spanish football.
