Unprecedented: Real Madrid request change of referees one day before Copa del Rey final | OneFootball

Real Madrid have had a long-running vendetta against the referees in Spain, but the tension between Los Blancos and officials reached new levels on Friday, the day before the Copa del Rey final. After Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR for the final, criticised the videos released by Real Madrid TV, the club have requested a change of referees for the final.

Gonzalez Fueres and on-pitch referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea gave a press conference before the final, when the latter broke down in tears due to the criticism and the pressure he has been receiving, with Real Madrid TV releasing a fresh slam piece on him on Thursday. Gonzalez Fuertes then went on to criticise the impact it has on them and their families outside of the game, in particular their children.

Los Blancos, as per Cadena Cope, were ‘stupified’ by the reaction from the referees, and feel that they are not prepared to referee the final. The fact that de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears was seen as an indication of that to Real Madrid, who asked that the officials be switched at the last minute, and consider that Gonzalez Fuertes’ referencing the club should rule him out.

Image via Diario de Cadiz

Despite that, Diario AS say that Los Blancos’ confidence in the Referees Technical Committee (CTA) remains in tact, but more importantly, they go on to say that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have rejected that request, saying their officials are completely ready for the final.

“We’re not going to dance to any team’s tune. It would be the cherry on top to change the referees now, so that Barca can ask for the same thing later. The teams aren’t going to appoint the referees…” was the unofficial line from the RFEF.

Certainly it is unusual, both for the referees to speak to the press before the game, and for a club to request a change of referees. It is hard to argue against the RFEF’s case – had they changed their plans, it would be seen as favouring one side over the other. One thing that is certain is that the pressure and attention on officials has been cranked up ahead of the final.