Ahead of the Copa del Rey final, reports indicate Real Madrid is considering canceling pre-match activities like open training, a press conference, and a club dinner. This reaction stems from the Spanish Football Federation`s decision not to change the appointed referees for the final match scheduled for Saturday in Sevilla. Real Madrid contends that public remarks made by one of the officials, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, should disqualify him from overseeing the game.
Real Madrid formally requested a change of referees, but the Spanish Football Federation denied the request. During a press conference leading up to the final, both appointed referees, including Gonzalez Fuertes, addressed the criticism they have faced for their selection, specifically mentioning the attacks from Real Madrid`s official television channel, `Real Madrid TV`.
Gonzalez Fuertes commented on the situation, stating that the focus should be on the consequences of the rhetoric being used. He highlighted the prevalence of anonymous online abuse and threats, noting that official club media persistently target the refereeing community. He also pointed out that actions and statements from players contribute to a perception of dishonesty in their decisions. According to Gonzalez Fuertes, the result of such talk, particularly accusations of bias or `theft`, is frustration among fans which tragically affects young individuals officiating children`s games. He emphasized that targeting officials has negative consequences and called for a return to a healthier atmosphere in football.
Real Madrid has expressed multiple concerns regarding refereeing throughout the current season. In February, the club released a public letter alleging that Spanish refereeing practices were questionable and lacked credibility.
Real Madrid`s Official Stance
The club has issued an official statement reinforcing their demand for a change in the refereeing team before the match.
“Real Madrid CF finds the public statements made today by the referees assigned to the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled for tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable. These statements, which surprisingly targeted videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, like Real Madrid TV, and were intentionally made 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and evident animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid,” the statement read.
The statement further expressed surprise at what it described as `threatening` remarks referencing referee unity, which were used to announce potential actions seemingly contrary to the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should govern a major football event watched globally. Given the gravity of the situation, Real Madrid stated its expectation for the RFEF and the refereeing body to respond appropriately and take necessary measures to uphold the reputation of the institutions they represent.
Real Madrid maintains that Gonzalez Fuertes` comments compromise his ability to make unbiased decisions and warrant his replacement. The club has frequently raised complaints about refereeing decisions during what has been a challenging season.
Prior Incidents
A previous instance of refereeing disputes occurred during a match against Espanyol in February, where Real Madrid felt disadvantaged by official errors in a 1-0 loss. This match contributed to the club`s decision to send an open letter to La Liga. The controversy included a challenge on Vinícius Jr. (referred to as Kylian Mbappe in the original text, likely a typo) that resulted only in a yellow card after a VAR review, despite calls for a red card. Espanyol went on to score the winning goal, impacting Real Madrid`s position in the close La Liga title race.
This incident became a focal point for complaints from Real Madrid and Real Madrid TV regarding perceived unfair treatment from referees, setting a pattern of scrutinizing various decisions throughout the season. This ongoing tension has now culminated just before the Copa del Rey final, leaving the Spanish Federation facing a significant decision.
Looking Ahead
Despite Real Madrid`s strong stance, there is currently no indication that the referees for the final will be changed. It remains uncertain whether Real Madrid will pursue further action, such as protesting participation in the final. However, it is clear that any decision made by the officials during the match will be subject to intense scrutiny. Although the RFEF has already rejected Real Madrid`s initial request for a change, the club`s recent statement suggests they consider the matter far from resolved.
