Just hours from the expected classic between real Madrid and Barcelona by the final of the Copa del Rey 2024-25, which will be played this Saturday, the previous one has been shaken by a serious controversy that threatens to overshadow the sports show.
The white team decided not to participate in the press conference or official training at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, headquarters of this Saturday, as a protest against arbitration designation. The situation climbed to the point that Spanish media assured that the club even evaluates not to appear to the game, something that was already denied by the “White House”.
It all started after an unusual conference provided by the designated main referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, together with the VAR, Pablo González Fuertes. Both were emotionally affected by the media pressure and the constant criticisms received, especially by Madrid.
In fact, Burgos broke up when talking about the impact that insults and accusations have on their family life, especially in their son: “When a son of yours goes to school and there are children who tell him that his father is a thief and arrives at his house crying, that is very fucking”.
Real Madrid immediately reacted. He issued an official statement where he described as “inadmissible” the statements of the referees and denounced a “threatening tone” that, as they understand, questions the equity of the final.
Given the refusal of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to remove the judges, the club decided not to go to any of the planned activities. The DT Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric They had to speak at a press conference and participate in an official photo with Hansi Flick and Ter Stegen “Who will not play for injury-, but everything was suspended.
Earlier, media in Spain assured that the Madrid dome seriously analyzed not to appear to the decisive duel, something that in the last hours was denied by the capital entity in a new statement. “Real Madrid CF communicates that our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final. The unfortunate and inappropriate statements of the referees designated for this game, made 24 hours before the final, cannot stain a sporting event of world transcendence”said the “merengue” institution
The discomfort also shot up for a report issued by RMTV, the official channel of the club, which highlighted the performance difference of Madrid and Barça with Burgos as a referee: 64% of victories for whites against 81% for the culés.
The RFEF, on the other hand, ratified the designation of the judges and was blunt: “We are not going to dance to the sound of any team.” The refusal to replace the referee leaves the presence of Burgos and González Fuertes to lead the party, despite the public pressure of the meringue.
Meanwhile, from the Barcelona environment they adopted a more conciliatory position. The coach Hansi Flick unfolded the situation and asked for respect for the referees: “This is football, a sport. We all make mistakes and need to take care of those who are part of the game.”
In parallel, it transpired that the Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, will not attend the official dinner prior to the party, in another gesture of institutional disapproval. It will be replaced by Emilio Butragueño, while Joan Laporta will represent the Catalan team. The curtain has not yet risen, but the classic is already played outside the countryside, and Spanish football contains breathing.
Source: Ambito
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