Fri Apr 25 20:29:27 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Boycotts Copa del Rey Final Activities After Referee’s Emotional Press Conference

**Seville, Spain** – Real Madrid has boycotted all pre-match activities ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, following an emotional press conference by the match referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The referee publicly criticized Real Madrid for releasing a video on their in-house TV channel (RMTV) highlighting alleged refereeing errors in his career.

The video, released Thursday, prompted De Burgos to hold a tearful press conference on Friday where he compared the criticism to accusing his father of theft. His sentiments were echoed by the VAR referee assigned to the final.

Real Madrid deemed the referee’s statements “unacceptable” and a “clear conflict of interest,” boycotting the pre-match press conference, open training session, the traditional presidents’ dinner, and a photo-call. While the club hasn’t formally requested the officials’ replacement, a source close to Reuters indicated that they believe a change is warranted. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has yet to respond to requests for comment.

This is the latest incident in a series of clashes between Real Madrid and Spanish match officials. In February, the RFEF acknowledged concerns about referee abuse following criticism directed at Jose Munuera Montero after he issued a red card to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. A similar complaint was lodged by Real Madrid following a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol earlier this season.

Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, called for greater protection for referees, emphasizing the emotional toll of the job and the need to de-escalate post-match tensions. Despite Barcelona’s strong performances against Real Madrid in previous encounters this season (winning 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup), Flick downplayed expectations, urging his young team to enjoy the experience. Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo praised the team’s calm demeanor ahead of the final.

The highly anticipated final, kicking off at 10 pm local time (20:00 GMT) at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, will see a clash between a struggling Real Madrid – currently four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and eliminated from the Champions League – and a confident Barcelona, hoping to secure a potential quadruple this season.

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