The Copa del Rey last between Actual Madrid and FC Barcelona has already ignited controversy simply sooner or later earlier than the extremely anticipated showdown. Following public statements made by referees, Actual Madrid are reportedly contemplating boycotting and pulling out of the ultimate.
All through the season, Actual Madrid has steadily clashed with the Spanish Federation and La Liga over officiating, and the cup last has confirmed no exception. Forward of the match, Actual Madrid TV—the membership’s official channel—aired a report profiling the referees assigned to the ultimate, highlighting their win document with Madrid (64%) in comparison with Barcelona’s (81%).
At Friday’s press convention, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea addressed the movies criticizing match officers: “The results of these movies result in nameless social media customers hurling insults and threats. The issue is that once we consult with commentators or soccer figures who discuss ‘theft’ or use offensive phrases, followers take out their frustration on the younger boys or ladies who must referee youth matches. That’s the consequence of placing a goal on our heads.”
VAR official Pablo González Fuertes provided an much more direct response to the criticism. “We reaffirm our unity with our president, Luis Medina—we should shield the refereeing physique. Measures should be taken, and we’re not going to proceed permitting what has been taking place,” he acknowledged. “On sure dates, you’ll hear information about what’s going to occur. We’ll make historical past with what we’re going to do,” he added, setting off alarm bells inside Actual Madrid.
Actual Madrid’s response to the Spanish Federation and the referees
The feedback rapidly reached Actual Madrid, prompting rapid motion. First, the membership canceled the scheduled press convention with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric. In addition they suspended an open coaching session, and president Florentino Perez opted out of the standard pre-match dinner with Barcelona officers. However the state of affairs might escalate even additional.
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In line with journalist Josep Pedrerol of El Chiringuito, Actual Madrid is weighing the potential of returning to Madrid with out taking part in the ultimate in opposition to Barcelona. Pedrerol detailed the continuing conferences between membership executives and their authorized group:
“Actual Madrid will demand an apology from the referees. The membership believes that attacking the membership with threats of authorized motion 24 hours earlier than the Copa del Rey last exhibits that they don’t seem to be neutral referees,” Pedrerol acknowledged.
“There was speak of the likelihood that the group might return to Madrid if the federation doesn’t act accordingly. There’s a minimal likelihood that Actual Madrid might return dwelling with out taking part in the ultimate,” he concluded the report.
With lower than 24 hours to kickoff, tensions are at a boiling level. What was already set to be a heated last might now result in a historic occasion: the suspension of the Copa del Rey last itself.
