Key Points

The upcoming Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid has been overshadowed by emotional allegations of referee harassment. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down while describing the personal impact of Real Madrid TV's targeted media campaign against match officials. VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuentes also condemned the practice of attacking referees through media and social platforms. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces additional challenges with key players Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba potentially unavailable due to injuries.

Key Points: Copa del Rey Final Ref Breaks Down Over Real Madrid TV Attacks

  • Referee emotionally speaks out against RMTV's aggressive pre-match media campaign
  • VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuentes condemns online attacks against officials
  • Real Madrid faces injury challenges with Camavinga and Alaba doubtful
  • High-stakes Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid approaches
3 min read

Referee for Spanish Copa del Rey final in tears over Real Madrid TV attacks

Spanish referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea emotionally reveals family impact of Madrid TV's aggressive referee targeting tactics

"When your son comes back from school and other kids have said to his father is a thief, it's really hard - Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea"

Madrid, April 25

The referee appointed for the upcoming Copa del Rey final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, became emotional on Friday while discussing the intense pressure he faces ahead of the match.

He was questioned about a video released by Real Madrid's Club TV network, RMTV, which highlights his supposed mistakes in previous matches against them. This tactic is frequently employed by RMTV to influence referees before key games.

When asked about this latest video, de Burgos Bengoetxea could not hold back tears as he spoke about the impact on him and his family, reports Xinhua.

"When your son comes back from school and other kids have said to him that his father is a thief, it's really hard," he said. "They have no right to make us go through this, but it's not just something between professionals; a lot of families depend on this, and everyone should take some time to reflect on what they are doing."

Pablo Gonzalez Fuentes, who will serve as the VAR official for Saturday's match, also criticised RMTV's actions. "They have to understand the consequences of these videos," he said, explaining that they lead to online campaigns against officials.

"We're seeing community managers on official social media platforms attacking the community for just one more like. We see actions by football players that suggest we're dishonest. When a journalist talks about 'theft,' fans take that frustration out on the child who's about to referee a youth team. We must address these types of situations and return to a healthier and cleaner style of football," he commented.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is getting ready for the match with serious injury concerns.

Their French international midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will be out until next season after suffering a serious groin injury in Wednesday's 1-0 win away to Getafe.

Camavinga replaced David Alaba at the start of the second half after the Austrian suffered a muscle injury, but in the 87th minute, he was unable to continue and had to leave the pitch, even though Madrid had used all of its substitutes.

Speaking after the game, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti commented that both Alaba and Camavinga would struggle to be fit for Saturday's Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona. However, tests carried out on Thursday morning showed Camavinga's injury to be much worse than previously thought.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
Javier R.
This is heartbreaking to read. No referee should have to deal with this kind of pressure, especially when it affects their family. The beautiful game is being ruined by this toxic behavior 😔
M
Maria S.
While I understand clubs want to win, targeting referees like this crosses a line. The video might be "analysis" but we all know what they're trying to do. Hope the final is decided fairly on the pitch!
L
Luis T.
As a Madrid fan, I'm embarrassed by this. We should win through football, not intimidation tactics. Wishing the ref strength and hope he has a great game on Saturday.
A
Ana K.
The part about his son being bullied at school broke my heart 💔 Football is supposed to bring people together, not create this kind of hate. Clubs need to take responsibility for the culture they're creating.
C
Carlos P.
Respectful criticism here - referees need thicker skin if they want to officiate at this level. That said, the personal attacks on families are completely unacceptable. There's a line that shouldn't be crossed.
S
Sofia M.
The injuries to Camavinga and Alaba are worrying, but this referee situation is the real story. Football needs to clean up its act - from fan behavior to club media strategies. This isn't what sport should be about.

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