The atmosphere ahead of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona has grown tense after the Madrid side announced its decision to skip official events leading up to the match. The club explained its stance through its official TV channel, citing the "seriousness" of comments made by the appointed referees as the main reason.

Real Madrid justifies absence due to the “seriousness” of referee statements

Just hours before the highly anticipated clash at La Cartuja, Real Madrid shocked fans by announcing that neither coach Carlo Ancelotti nor any players would attend the pre-match press conference or take part in the official training session at the stadium. They also declined the invitation to the traditional pre-match dinner organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), with neither president Florentino Pérez nor any club representatives in attendance.

The club issued a brief message via a banner on its official channel, expressing its discontent with comments made during a press conference by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the match’s head referee, and Pablo González Fuertes, who is in charge of the VAR. According to the club, the remarks crossed a line deemed unacceptable on the eve of such a high-profile final.

Real Madrid's press conference had been scheduled for 7:15 p.m. local time, following Barcelona's appearance, who fulfilled all their official commitments, including training at the final’s venue. The team, now led by Hansi Flick, completed their session without incident, while the Madrid club’s absence did not go unnoticed.

The tension around officiating has been a dominant theme in the build-up, particularly after RMTV released a video highlighting controversial decisions by De Burgos Bengoetxea in previous matches. In response, the referees defended the profession, speaking out against threats and harassment they regularly receive on social media and during games.

Real Madrid's decision adds another chapter to the ongoing friction between the club and Spanish referees. While the final is expected to go ahead as planned, the mood surrounding the event is far from festive for what should be a celebration of Spanish football.