- Real Madrid are threatening to boycott the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, scheduled for tomorrow
- Los Blancos are displeased with the comments of the referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and want him replaced
- Madrid cancelled all official events leading to the final, including the press conference and media access to training
Real Madrid are reportedly considering boycotting the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona tomorrow, amidst tension with the designated centre referee for the match.
Madrid have repeatedly complained about the officiating in La Liga this season and on different occasions put pressure on the referee before their matches.
Source: Getty Images
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke at a press conference earlier today, during which he was emotional while bemoaning the pressure from Real Madrid.
“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,” he said during the press conference.
“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.”
He claimed their situation is messed up, reiterating the effect it has on his son, adding that he wants him to be proud of the job his father does, and thereby called on authorities to protect officials.
“It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level. Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”
Real Madrid threatens boycott
According to Marca, Madrid have called on the RFEF to change the official, or they could consider not turning up for the match.
In response, they cancelled the press conference, media access to training and team dinner this evening and issued an official statement communicating their displeasure.
“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…” a part of the statement reads.
“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.”
Source: Getty Images
La Liga president Javier Tebas, a publicly known Real Madrid fan, has hit out at the club, claiming their acts are not about football, but power grabbing.
Madrid published a follow-up statement debunking the rumours that they are planning to boycott the match
“In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final,” the statement reads.
Ancelotti reacts to sack rumours
Legit.ng reported that Carlo Ancelotti reacted to sack rumours after reports in the media claimed that he would be sacked after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
The Italian manager claimed he retains the backing of club president Florentino Perez, but subtly hinted he is set for a departure after thanking his players.
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Source: Legit.ng
