Atlético Madrid has issued a scathing statement urging arch-rivals Real Madrid to “stop tarnishing the image of Spanish football” amid a heated controversy surrounding the Copa del Rey final. The dispute, which has ignited tensions across Spanish football, centers on allegations of referee harassment following Real Madrid’s public criticism of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea ahead of the final against Barcelona on April 26, 2025.
In a strongly worded post on X, Atlético Madrid declared, “This is unbearable. Basta de manchar la imagen del fútbol español #StopAcosoArbitralYa” (“Enough with tarnishing the image of Spanish football. #StopRefereeHarassmentNow”). The statement, echoed across Spanish media, reflects growing frustration with what Atlético and others perceive as a pattern of undue pressure on match officials.
The saga began when Real Madrid’s official television channel aired a segment criticizing De Burgos Bengoetxea’s past performances, a move that many viewed as an attempt to influence the referee’s decisions in the high-stakes final. The backlash was swift, with De Burgos Bengoetxea holding an emotional press conference where he revealed that his son had faced bullying as a result of the controversy. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Atlético leading the charge in calling for respect for referees.
“Atlético’s response is not just about one match—it’s about the integrity of the game,” said a spokesperson for the club in a follow-up statement to Goal.com. “The machine has been running for weeks, crushing everything in its path. Let’s see who dares to enforce justice.” The club’s earlier campaigns against referee harassment, including a February 2025 statement using the same #StopRefereeHarassmentNow hashtag, underscore their ongoing commitment to addressing the issue.
The controversy has also drawn attention to a broader crisis in Spanish football, with posts on X highlighting a “referee harassment crisis” that has left officials like Munuera Montero reportedly stepping back from officiating until related disputes are resolved. Fans and analysts alike have expressed dismay, with many arguing that such actions undermine the sport’s credibility.
Real Madrid has yet to respond officially to Atlético’s latest statement, but the feud has reignited one of football’s fiercest rivalries.