A major mess is unfolding today. As we mentioned this morning, Real Madrid had trained and then immediately flown to Seville, with the plan being to train at La Cartuja at 8:00 p.m.
But around noon, there was a press conference held by the referees, and everything exploded. Why? Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, the main referee for the Copa del Rey final, and Pablo González Fuertes, in charge of the VAR, spoke and complained about Real Madrid TV and the criticisms it makes regarding referees. One of them even cried. They went so far as to threaten Real Madrid, saying:
“We’re not going to continue allowing what’s happening. In a short time, you’ll hear more. We’re not going to keep enduring what we’re enduring. Make no mistake — we’ll have to start taking much more serious measures than those already being taken. We’re not going to continue tolerating this. Very soon, you’ll hear news. We’re going to make history, because we’re done putting up with this.”
It’s something unprecedented and unheard of — the day before a final, the referees involved are threatening one of the teams set to play in it. Naturally, Real Madrid reacted strongly with a statement and even canceled the scheduled press conference with Ancelotti and Ceballos, as well as their final training session before the match.
In fact, some media outlets are reporting that Real Madrid is pushing for the referees to be changed and that if they aren’t, the club could even refuse to play the final.
However, just now Real Madrid has released a statement denying that they are considering not playing the final. The statement reads:
Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity once again shown towards our club by the referees appointed for the final.”
“Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity once again shown towards our club by the referees appointed for the final.
In light of the rumors that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid C.F. states that our team has never considered not playing tomorrow’s final.
Our club believes that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees assigned to this match, just 24 hours before the final, should not tarnish a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people.
Out of respect for all the fans planning to travel to Seville, and for those already in the Andalusian capital, we believe the match must go on.”