Copa del Rey Final Referee Breaks Down Over Real Madrid TV Criticism
De Burgos Defends His Integrity Amid Emotional Press Conference
SEVILLE, Spain — April 25
On the eve of one of Spanish football’s biggest fixtures, Copa del Rey final referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conference, expressing deep anguish over a critical video released by Real Madrid TV (RMTV).
The video, published Thursday, highlighted what RMTV described as a history of questionable decisions made by De Burgos, who is set to officiate Saturday’s final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. It’s the latest in a series of similar productions by the club’s in-house channel, which has regularly scrutinized and criticized officiating decisions — particularly those involving Real.
Clearly shaken, De Burgos used the press conference to not only defend his reputation but to speak openly about the personal toll such attacks take on referees and their families.
“It Makes You Sick”: De Burgos Opens Up
Fighting through emotion, De Burgos said, “When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick.”
He went on to describe the daily challenges of life as a professional referee, adding that public criticism too often spills into private life — affecting not just officials but their loved ones.
“I try to teach my son that his father is an honest man. I make mistakes, just like any sportsman. But this… it’s very hard. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone,” he said.
De Burgos then shifted the conversation to a broader issue in the sport: “It’s not just in professional football. Many grassroots referees are going through the same abuse. Everyone needs to reflect on what kind of sport we want to build, and what kind of football we want to leave behind.”
VAR Official Hints at Strike: “You Will Have News Soon”
In a surprising turn during the same press availability, Pablo González Fuertes, the designated VAR official for the final, warned that Spanish referees are approaching a breaking point.
“We are going to start taking real action,” he declared. “We are not going to continue to allow what is happening. You will all see in a few days. We’re going to make history. A strike? You’ll hear from us soon.”
His comments reflect growing unrest within Spain’s refereeing community, as pressure from media and clubs — especially high-profile ones like Real Madrid — continues to mount.
History of Tension Between Real Madrid and Spanish Referees
This latest controversy is just the tip of the iceberg. Earlier this year, Real Madrid filed an official complaint against Spanish referees following a narrow defeat to Espanyol. In February, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) highlighted concerns about rising abuse, especially after referee Jose Munuera Montero faced backlash for issuing a red card to Real star Jude Bellingham.
Despite growing calls for accountability and reform, criticism — often highly public and emotionally charged — has only intensified.
As of Friday evening, Real Madrid had not issued a response to De Burgos’ comments.
Saturday’s Final Under a Shadow
Saturday’s Copa del Rey showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona, already one of the most anticipated matches on the calendar, will now take place under heightened scrutiny. With emotions running high and referees speaking out, all eyes will be not only on the pitch — but on how the game is managed.
What was once a celebration of Spanish football now carries the weight of deeper issues: respect, accountability, and the human cost of public pressure in the modern game.
