Real Madrid call referee statements 'unacceptable' after boycotting Copa del Rey final build-up

Real Madrid have labelled as "unacceptable" the statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees, after the Spanish champions pulled out of all official pre-match activities on Friday.

In a strongly worded statement, the club accused the officials of showing "clear and manifest animosity and hostility" towards Real Madrid, following public comments made just a day before the final against Barcelona in Seville.

Real Madrid refused to participate in the traditional pre-final events, including the press conference, the open training session, the presidents' dinner, and the official pre-match photo-call, expressing outrage over remarks made earlier by the match officials.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, referee for Saturday's final, became emotional during a press conference when speaking about the pressure referees have faced throughout the season, particularly from Real Madrid's in-house television channel. De Burgos Bengoetxea welled up as he described the abuse his family had endured, with children at his son's school branding him a "thief".

Madrid were particularly angered by comments from Pablo González Fuertes, who is set to oversee VAR for the final. González Fuertes suggested that referees were "united" and prepared to take collective action against the pressure exerted by Real Madrid TV's broadcasts.

"Even more surprising were the statements, in a threatening tone, announcing supposed measures that are completely at odds with the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should govern refereeing, especially just hours before a final," Real Madrid said in their statement.

"In view of the seriousness of the situation, Real Madrid expects the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) and the refereeing body to take the appropriate measures to defend the integrity of the institutions they represent."

Reports in the Spanish media suggest that Real Madrid have requested the refereeing team be changed for the final, and have even threatened to withdraw from the match if their demands are not met.

The latest controversy follows a video released by Real Madrid TV earlier this week, criticising De Burgos Bengoetxea – a tactic the club has used throughout the season to highlight what they claim is unfair refereeing.

The Spanish federation confirmed Madrid's boycott on Friday. "Real Madrid informed the RFEF that they would not participate in the press conference or the official training session ahead of the final," the federation said.

This is not the first time Real Madrid have opted for a boycott. In October 2024, they boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony, protesting that winger Vinícius Júnior had not been awarded the best player title. "Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected," the club declared at the time.

During the emotional press conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea described the personal toll criticism had taken, particularly on his family.

"When a child of yours goes to school and is told by classmates that his father is a 'thief', and he comes home crying, it's totally messed up," he said, visibly emotional.

"I try to educate my son, to teach him that his father is honest, above all honest. Yes, he can make mistakes, like any sportsperson, but he is honest," he continued. "When I leave this profession, I want my son to be proud of me and of refereeing, which has taught us so many values."

Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for wider reflection on the abuse referees face, not only at professional level but also at grassroots football.

González Fuertes echoed the concern and hinted at stronger collective action from referees in the near future.

"Have no doubt that we will soon start taking much more serious measures than we have taken so far," said González Fuertes. "We will not continue to endure what we are putting up with. Soon, you will hear from us. We are going to make history.