Fri Apr 25 14:55:32 UTC 2025: ## Referee Weeps Over Real Madrid TV’s Attack Ahead of Copa del Rey Final

**Seville, Spain** – Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, became visibly emotional during a press conference Friday, responding to sustained criticism from Real Madrid TV. The channel recently released a video attacking De Burgos Bengoetxea, part of a season-long campaign targeting referees. Real Madrid also published an open letter in February alleging that Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited.”

De Burgos Bengoetxea drew a poignant parallel, stating, “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and he comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.” Fighting back tears, he emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, hoping to instill pride in his son about his profession.

The 39-year-old referee called for reflection on the wider issue of referee abuse, stating it affects officials at all levels of the game. His sentiments were echoed by Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee for the final, who hinted at stronger action against Real Madrid TV in the coming weeks.

“We are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” Gonzalez Fuertes declared. “We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us. We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.” The comments suggest a potential escalation of the conflict between Spanish football’s refereeing body and Real Madrid.

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