Real Madrid recently aired a video on RMTV aimed at the designated referee for the Copa Del Rey final, De Burgos Bengoetxea, emphasizing the official's previous blunders while overseeing Real Madrid games.
The referee appeared teary-eyed in the referee news conference before the game, expressing his anguish over the entire scenario he and his family are facing. He described how his child was ridiculed at school because other children referred to his father as a "thief".
The VAR official for the game González Fuertes emerged with even stronger remarks predicting actions from the group of referees as they are apparently tired of what they are having to keep up with.
Real Madrid cancelled El Clasico press conference and team training
Real Madrid apparently postponed their press conference before to the Copa Del Rey final, as well as squad training. The club has also issued a clear statement denouncing the VAR official's harsh statements and requesting a response and action from RFEF.
The statement from Real Madrid reads as follows:
"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."
According to current predictions, Real Madrid have a decent possibility of not playing in the Copa Del Rey final. The club has already ceased training, so competing in the tough final is unlikely. The press conference is also canceled.
It should be noted that RMTV's behavior was juvenile and inappropriate. It is inappropriate to criticize a referee before a game. However, the VAR official's statements were also not excellent. They appeared to be threatening, as if something significant may happen in the game against Barcelona that would be detrimental to Real Madrid.
It is ludicrous that this scenario persists. The referees have spoken a lot. Real Madrid replied much harder. Los Blancos' actions and statements will undoubtedly harm the club's reputation. It remains to be seen what steps the RFEF will take and whether or not the game on the weekend will take place.