The referee assigned to the Copa del Rey final, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, became visibly emotional on Friday as he spoke about the abuse his child has endured due to public criticism of referees, particularly fueled by top football clubs like Real Madrid.
Speaking to reporters, De Burgos shared his pain following the release of a video by Real Madrid’s own TV channel that accused him of being biased against the club.
“It’s heartbreaking to see your child come home from school in tears because classmates are calling his father a crook,” he said, his voice trembling.
“I tell my son that his father is an honest man. Like any athlete, I make mistakes, but I always act with integrity,” he added. “I want him to be proud of me and of the profession I represent. No one should have to endure the kind of attacks my fellow referees are facing.”
The Real Madrid TV video claimed that Madrid won 64% of its games refereed by De Burgos, compared to 81% won by Barcelona under his watch. An unnamed voice called it “an incredible difference” while also questioning his talent and showing images of his alleged errors. The video was accompanied by dramatic music. It failed to say who the opponents were in those matches or if they were played home or away.
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Many neutral observers see this as Madrid attempting to pressure referees before games.
Madrid faces Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday in Seville.
Bashing referees
The club’s TV has made it a regular practice to air videos discrediting referees. Its part of a hostile publicity campaign the club has launched this season against soccer’s rule keepers.
In February, the club sent a letter to the Spanish Football Federation claiming that the record 36-time league champion was being routinely harmed by refereeing decisions. It said “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a point that the adulteration and manipulation of the competition cannot be ignored.”
Another referee who red-carded Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham for cursing at him was reported by some Spanish media outlets of having business activities that meant a conflict of interest with refereeing. The federation looked into the matter before clearing him of any suspicions.
Not taking it anymore
De Burgos spoke along with video assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes at the now customary pre-Copa del Rey press conference for the referee crew, a rare moment for referees to be questioned by the press.
González Fuertes supported his fellow referee and launched a warning that Spain’s referees were going to take unspecified actions to curtail attacks on their honor.
“Do not have the least doubt that we are going to have to start taking more serious measures,” González Fuertes said, without giving details.
He added that he was worried that the verbal hate referees receive from players and as well on social media could have real-world consequences.
“One day we will have a real problem and we will all hold our heads and condemn what happened, but who will be held responsible for the situation?”
Madrid responds
Madrid fired back at the referees, calling their statements “unacceptable" in a statement issued late Friday.
“These statements, which have surprisingly placed in the spotlight videos made by a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Realmadrid TV, made in a premeditated manner 24 hours ahead of the final against one of its participants, demonstrate, once again, these referees clear and manifest animosity and hostility towards Real Madrid,” the club said.