With just one day to go until the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final, all eyes are on the officiating team amid rising tensions surrounding referee criticism. The match, set to take place on April 26, 2025, will see Barcelona take on Real Madrid, and the referees for this thrilling encounter, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo González Fuertes, have made headlines with their bold statements regarding the scrutiny they face from the media and fans.
In a press conference that has sparked significant discussion, González Fuertes, who will oversee video assistant referee duties during the match, addressed the controversial videos released by Real Madrid TV that have been circulating in recent weeks. These videos, which highlight the refereeing decisions made in matches involving Real Madrid, have been criticized by González Fuertes, who hinted at upcoming consequences for the ongoing situation. "In a few weeks, you will have news about what is coming," he stated, emphasizing that the referees are more united than ever and are prepared to take much more serious measures than those currently in place.
González Fuertes expressed his frustration over the hostility directed towards referees, stating, "We are not going to continue allowing what is happening. The refereeing collective and the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) are going to make history because we will not tolerate this any longer." His remarks come in the wake of increasing threats and insults directed at referees, particularly on social media, which he claims stem from the damaging narratives propagated by some media outlets.
During the press conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea also shared his perspective, noting that the videos from Real Madrid TV are harmful to the refereeing community. "I find the videos they make indifferent. They will do as they please. I know what I need to improve and what I have to do, and that’s about it. However, I will say that they are damaging to our establishment," he remarked. Both referees have made it clear that the current climate of hostility must be addressed to ensure a safer environment for those officiating the game.
González Fuertes specifically pointed out the repercussions of the derogatory language used by some commentators and journalists, who refer to refereeing decisions as "theft". He stated, "When some communicators or journalists talk about robbery, the frustration that is generated among fans does not end with us, but rather it affects the children who pick up a whistle to referee youth matches. The consequence is that later, a colleague ends up being targeted and attacked."
In light of these issues, González Fuertes has proposed the idea of holding post-match press conferences to clarify refereeing decisions, aiming to foster a more transparent relationship between officials and the public. "Anything that is educational or opens our establishment to the world of football is one hundred percent welcome. But if they are going to ask us about a specific play in a heated moment, then we generate what needs to be avoided: a violence that leads to unpleasant situations," he stated.
As anticipation builds for the Copa del Rey final, the stakes are high not just for the teams involved, but also for the referees who have found themselves at the center of controversy. Real Madrid's demands for a change in the officiating team just one day before the match, following the statements made by De Burgos and González Fuertes, have added another layer of drama to an already charged atmosphere. Reports indicate that the club is seeking to have the entire refereeing team replaced, which would be unprecedented so close to such a significant match.
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, often referred to as El Clásico, is one of the most intense in football, and the added tensions surrounding the officiating only heighten the stakes for both teams. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the match, but the focus on refereeing and the potential consequences of the current climate may overshadow the action on the pitch.
As the final approaches, González Fuertes remains resolute in his commitment to improving the environment for referees. "We must return to a much healthier and cleaner football," he urged, highlighting the need for a collective effort to address the challenges faced by officials in the sport. The upcoming Copa del Rey final will not only be a showcase of football talent but also a critical moment for the refereeing community as they navigate the complexities of their role in the game.
With the match looming, fans are left to ponder not only the outcome of the game but also the implications of the referees' statements and the ongoing battle against hostility in football. Will the measures announced by González Fuertes lead to a more respectful environment for referees, or will the tensions continue to escalate? Only time will tell as the football world watches closely.
