Hansi Flick Slams Real Madrid Over Referee Controversy Ahead of Copa del Rey Final

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has publicly criticized Real Madrid for their conduct toward referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who is set to officiate the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final between the two Spanish giants at Estadio de La Cartuja. Flick’s remarks come amid a storm of controversy sparked by Real Madrid’s actions, which have cast a shadow over preparations for the first El Clásico final in the competition since 2014.

The tension began when Real Madrid’s in-house television channel, Real Madrid TV, released a video criticizing Bengoetxea’s past performances, alleging bias by highlighting that Madrid won 64% of games he refereed compared to 81% for Barcelona. The video, part of a pattern of referee critiques by the club, prompted an emotional response from Bengoetxea during a pre-match press conference. The referee broke down in tears, revealing the personal toll of the criticism, including verbal abuse faced by his son at school. “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take,” Bengoetxea said, emphasizing his integrity and the challenges referees face.

Flick, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, condemned Real Madrid’s behavior as disrespectful and detrimental to the spirit of the sport. “It’s not fair play not to look after [referees], it’s not showing them respect,” Flick stated. “We need the referees, and we have to look after them and be careful. I don’t know what to say about the referees, it’s a sport, it’s a game, football, nothing more.” He urged all involved in football to protect officials, adding that such pressure is unacceptable and that the focus should remain on the game itself.

Real Madrid’s response escalated the situation further. The club boycotted pre-match activities, including the press conference, an open training session, and the official dinner hosted by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), citing “unprecedented astonishment” at Bengoetxea’s press conference. They also issued a statement accusing Bengoetxea and VAR official Pablo González Fuertes of showing “clear animosity and hostility” toward the club, demanding their removal from the final. Despite rumors of a potential boycott of the match itself, Real Madrid later clarified, “Our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final,” emphasizing the importance of the event for fans and the values of football.

The controversy has drawn widespread attention, with La Liga president Javier Tebas accusing Real Madrid of “threatening” behavior in what he described as a “power grab.” González Fuertes, the VAR official, added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Spanish referees might soon take action, hinting at a possible strike due to ongoing pressures. “In a few days you all will see,” he said. “We are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”

Flick, however, remained focused on the match, downplaying Barcelona’s status as favorites despite their convincing victories over Real Madrid in both La Liga Clásicos this season. “We have a young team. It will be a great experience for a young group. There are no favorites in a final,” he said. Barcelona are chasing a potential treble, while Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, are desperate for a domestic double to salvage a challenging campaign.