Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is already stirring up controversy, with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea at the center of it all. In a shocking turn of events, Real Madrid’s in-house TV channel, RMTV, released a video on Friday that criticized De Burgos for alleged mistakes in his officiating career.
De Burgos, who will be officiating the highly anticipated final, was visibly shaken by the video and broke down in tears during a press conference. He expressed his deep sadness at the attacks on his integrity, stating, “When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick.”
Despite the criticism, De Burgos remained steadfast in his defense of his honesty and dedication to the sport. He highlighted the challenges faced by football officials at all levels and urged everyone to reflect on the treatment of referees in the sport.
Real Madrid has yet to respond to De Burgos’ emotional remarks, but the situation has raised concerns among officials. Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR official for the final, hinted at potential action from the referees in response to the ongoing pressure and criticism they face.
Referees have been vocal about the abuse they endure, with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) acknowledging their concerns earlier this year. The case of Jose Munuera Montero, who faced backlash for a decision in a Real Madrid match, and Real Madrid’s complaint against Spanish referees following a recent loss, have brought the issue to the forefront.
As tensions rise ahead of the Copa del Rey final, the spotlight is on De Burgos and the challenges faced by referees in modern football. The outcome of the match remains uncertain, but the impact of this controversy on the sport’s officiating standards is undeniable.
