Fri Apr 25 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Referee Breaks Down, Vows Action Against Real Madrid’s Attack
**Seville, Spain** – Copa del Rey final referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea became emotional during a press conference Friday, condemning what he described as relentless harassment from Real Madrid’s television channel. The highly charged atmosphere ahead of Saturday’s final between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been further inflamed by Real Madrid TV’s recent video attacking De Burgos Bengoetxea, a tactic the club has employed against several referees this season. This follows an open letter published by the club in February accusing Spanish refereeing of being rigged.
De Burgos Bengoetxea, visibly moved, drew a parallel to the emotional toll on his family. He described the effect of Real Madrid’s attacks on his son, stating, “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 added, “This is really messed up… but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is.”
The 39-year-old referee called for a wider reflection on the issue of referee abuse, extending beyond professional football to grassroots levels.
Meanwhile, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee for the final, issued a strong warning, hinting at potential legal action against Real Madrid TV. “Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” Fuertes stated. “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 referees’ actions in response to Real Madrid’s campaign are keenly anticipated.
First Piper 