Real Madrid ‘never considered' withdrawing from Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in El Clasico after ref drama
Updated 27/04/2025 at 14:43 GMT+1
Real Madrid released a statement insisting they “never considered" withdrawing from the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona despite a refereeing controversy in the build-up. On the eve of a crunch El Clasico with silverware on the line, the referee and the VAR set to take charge of the final hit out at disparaging comments that were aired on Real Madrid TV.
'Well, he has to score sooner or later' - Ancelotti puts his faith in Rodrygo
Video credit: SNTV
Real Madrid have denied they ever considered withdrawing from Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona after a tearful interview given by the referee set to take charge caused a stir in the build-up.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was visibly emotional when asked on Friday about disparaging comments that were aired on Real Madrid TV, citing the abuse his son was receiving as a result of the criticism.
As reports in Spain suggested Real could even boycott the El Clasico final, the Spanish giants released two official statements addressing the matter.
"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," the second statement said.
"Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
"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."
The video shown on Real Madrid TV highlighted the difference in the win percentages of Barcelona and Los Blancos when De Burgos Bengoetxea has taken charge of their respective matches and took aim at the referee for his lack of experience officiating in the UEFA Champions League or in FIFA competitions.
"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 said.
"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."
- Premier League and FA Cup injury team news: Malo Gusto to sit out Chelsea's clash with Everton, Diogo Dalot potentially out until end of season
- Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04: Fourth division derby of destiny set for record crowd as it captivates the Ruhr region
Back in February, Real wrote a former letter of complaint to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), following a 1-0 loss to Espanyol.
Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the final's video assistant referee (VAR), was forthright in defending the refereeing community.
He said: "There is more unity than ever among referees, possibly due to the situation we have around us. We will start to take measures, we will not continue to allow what is happening."
Real's first official response to the saga called the comments coming out of the refereeing community "unacceptable."
It read: "These statements, which have surprisingly placed in the spotlight videos made by a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Realmadrid TV, made in a premeditated manner 24 hours ahead of the final against one of its participants, demonstrate, once again, these referees clear and manifest animosity and hostility towards Real Madrid.
"Statements that are even more surprising, using a threatening tone, alluding to the unity of the referees, to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that will draw the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
"In view of the seriousness of events, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the R.F.E.F. and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, taking the corresponding measures in defence of the honour of the institutions they represent."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/04/12/4118527-83508188-2560-1440.jpg)
'I'm not surprised by anything anymore' - Ancelotti on future at Real Madrid
Video credit: SNTV
Barca manager Hansi Flick took the side of the officials and called for action, urging clubs to protect referees.
"For me, it's only a sport," he said. "It's only a game. It's only football. It is our responsibility to protect not only the players, but all the people involved in the game.
"It's not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch there are some decisions that are about emotion but after the match, we should be done with it. Something must be done."
Watch the Premier League and Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?