Referee in Tears Over Real Madrid TV Criticism Before Copa del Rey Final
Published: April 25, 2025
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who will officiate the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday, broke down in tears on Friday while addressing the harsh media criticism he and his colleagues have faced — particularly from Real Madrid TV.
The 39-year-old referee became emotional during a press conference as he recounted the personal toll of public abuse, especially on his family.
“When a child of yours goes to school and other children call his father a ‘thief’… it’s completely wrong,” he said, fighting back tears.
Real Madrid TV Under Fire
Real Madrid’s official TV channel has repeatedly published targeted videos accusing referees of bias, including De Burgos Bengoetxea. The club also released an open letter in February, claiming Spanish refereeing is rigged and discredited.
Such relentless criticism has sparked backlash from the refereeing community.
“What I try to do is educate my son, to teach him that his father is honest… capable of making mistakes, like any sportsperson,” said De Burgos.
“This is really tough… but when I leave this job, I want my son to be proud of me and what refereeing stands for.”
Referee Union Pushes Back
VAR official for the final, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, hinted that referees might take legal or institutional action against Real Madrid TV.
“Have no doubt — we will start taking more serious measures,” said Gonzalez Fuertes. “You’ll be hearing from us soon. We are going to make history because we are no longer going to endure this.”
The remarks reflect growing tension between Spanish referees and top-tier clubs, especially amid calls for greater protection against media abuse and public defamation.
Calls for Change Across All Levels of Football
De Burgos called for a broader reflection on how referee abuse impacts not only professional matches but also grassroots football.
“It’s not right what many of us are going through… everyone should reflect on where we are headed, and what we want from football.”
As the football world turns its attention to Saturday’s final in Seville, the referee’s heartfelt plea has sparked renewed debate about the treatment and mental health of match officials in the modern game.
