Following the rejection of their request to have the match officials replaced, Real Madrid is reportedly thinking of withdrawing from Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. The referee and VAR crew allocated to the match are the club’s main concerns, as temperatures are already high ahead of what is expected to be a hotly contested El Clasico.
Real Madrid TV aired a film on Thursday that highlights previous referee rulings that they feel unfairly penalised them, while also highlighting Barcelona’s good record under his supervision. This action has only served to stoke the flames. Now, the club is considering a theatrical boycott in protest after their formal objection was rejected.
Real Madrid Cancels Practice Amid Rumours of Boycott
Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea was not dismissed, despite Madrid’s request.
The Spanish powerhouses cancelled their first training session, which was supposed to take place in front of the media, after learning that their demands to have Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and his VAR team changed before Saturday’s final were denied, according to a Marca report, as reported by Relevo. Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-game press conference was also called off, as was a planned photo shoot in which the Italian was supposed to hold the Copa del Rey trophy and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
Ancelotti is also scheduled to miss an RFEF dinner in Seville tonight, which will be attended by the Federation’s directors and opposite number Flick. The RFEF verified this via social media, writing: “Real Madrid CF has informed the RFEF that it will not hold the press conference or the official training prior to the final of the Copa del Rey scheduled for today at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.”
Additionally, Bengoetxea and Gonzalez Fuertes are reportedly thinking about pursuing legal action in response to the defamatory video that was released about them by Madrid-affiliated stations, and Madrid is reportedly willing to boycott the cup final. Madrid has boycotted an event on multiple occasions in recent months after becoming irate. After learning that Vinicius Junior would not receive the prize, no team representatives attended the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Reason for the Referee Video
Madrid felt that raising awareness of the problem would advance their cause.
It was said that Madrid approved the film criticising Bengoetxea in order to highlight the errors and support their position. The film also made note of the Basque official’s prior record of less favourable outcomes for Madrid during his tenure as the proceedings’ supervisor.
“Real Madrid’s win percentage is just 64% when the Basque referee is used. Barcelona, however, boasts an 81% win rate. Ancelotti’s club has only won two of the last five games with him on the pitch, which adds to the amazing difference, the video said.
The most startling aspect, however, is that despite Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s appointment as an international referee since 2018, UEFA has never used him to officiate a Champions League game.
“He has also not been relied upon by FIFA for any of its tournaments. However, following the 2017 and 2023 Super Cups, this will already be his third final between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. He continues to referee games of this magnitude despite not having the same recognition in Spain as he does on the international front.
Real Madrid Release Statement
Los Blancos have revealed if they will play against Barcelona
In response to Saturday’s reports that they would not be attending the final, Madrid issued a statement stating that they would be playing in Seville and that they never intended to miss the match.
According to Real Madrid C.F., our team never thought about declining to play in tomorrow’s final, despite the rumours that have surfaced in recent hours.
“Our club is aware that the unsuitable and regrettable remarks made by the referees 24 hours prior to the final cannot detract from a major international sporting event that will be viewed by hundreds of millions of people. This is also done out of consideration for all of the fans who are already in the Andalusian capital and for those who are planning to travel to Seville.
“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.”
