Real Madrid have dismissed the suggestion they considered boycotting Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Los Blancos were left angered by comments from the cup final officials in a pre-match news conference held on Friday.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears as he spoke of the impact of being attacked by Real Madrid TV.
“When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up,” De Burgos said.
“What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.”
Meanwhile, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, who will be the VAR official for the final, hinted that action would take place to prevent Real Madrid TV from continuing their attack on officials, which have been a regular theme throughout the season.
“There’s no doubt that we’re going to start taking measures, more serious than those currently being taken. We’re not going to continue allowing what’s happening,” Gonzalez Fuertes told reporters.
“In a few days, you’ll hear about what’s coming. This is going to make history. We’re not going to continue putting up with what we’re putting up with.”
Real Madrid clarify Copa del Rey participation
Real Madrid subsequently withdrew from their pre-match activities, including a press conference that was set to feature manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric.
There were then reports suggesting that Los Blancos were considering whether to boycott Saturday’s final at La Cartuja in Seville.
However, the club have since clarified that they had no plans to withdraw from the game, although they slammed the officials for their “hostility and animosity”.
The statement read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow’s final.
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”
© Imago
Real Madrid TV’s involvement in referee controversy
The drama surrounding the lead-up to the final was sparked by a video released by Real Madrid’s in-house television channel.
The video package highlighted decisions De Burgos have previously made in games involving Real Madrid and the fact he has never refereed in the Champions League or FIFA tournaments.
The club’s video also outlined the respective win percentages for Barcelona and Real Madrid in games officiated by De Burgos.
Real Madrid TV have regularly uploaded similar video packages focusing on officials ahead of big matches in recent years.
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