Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Why the referee is the centre of attention in the Copa del Rey final
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Why the referee is the centre of attention in the Copa del Rey final
The final is scheduled for Saturday, with Barcelona in great form, facing a struggling Real Madrid.
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, a 39-year-old from Bilbao, will officiate the match. He has been a La Liga referee since 2015 and a FIFA referee since 2018.
The controversy escalated after Real Madrid TV’s criticism of the referee, leading to Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea breaking down in tears. In response, Real Madrid canceled their open training and press conference, and requested the RFEF to change the officials.
Yes, Real Madrid has threatened to boycott the final, issuing a public statement about the ongoing tensions.
While the match itself is a thrilling clash, the main focus has shifted to the referee and the off-field drama, especially with La Liga chief Javier Tebas getting involved in the issue.
