On the eve of the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid has decided to cancel their pre-match activities including open training sessions and press conferences due to concerns over the officiating team. They are dissatisfied with the decision of the Royal Spanish Football Federation to keep referees Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes assigned to the final.

Real Madrid argues that statements from Gonzalez Fuertes render him biased and unfit to officiate the match.

The club requested a change in referees, which was denied. During a press briefing before the final, both referees expressed their distress over the negativity directed towards them, particularly from Real Madrid’s media outlet, Real Madrid TV.

Gonzalez Fuertes commented:

“I’m going to talk about those videos… More than what’s being said, it’s the consequences of what’s being said. We’re seeing anonymous people on social media insulting and threatening without any control. Official club social media managers are continually attacking our community.”

Real Madrid’s management has reported ongoing interference with referee decisions throughout the season, highlighting a perceived pattern of unfair treatment. This tension has culminated in their public declarations and demands leading up to the final.

Despite Real Madrid’s insistence on a referee switch, the match is expected to proceed with the original officiating team, which certainly remains a contentious issue to be monitored closely during the event.