El Clasico in crisis: Will Real Madrid refuse to play the derby?
Tensions are soaring ahead of the highly anticipated El Clásico clash in the Spanish Copa del Rey. Real Madrid has expressed sharp criticism of the referee appointed for the final, and the situation further escalated after the official made controversial comments during a press conference. In protest, Real Madrid canceled both their pre-match training session and media duties. Since then, the club has issued a series of official statements, further intensifying the crisis.
As the LaLiga title race heats up, Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to face off in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, April 26. Seville will host the El Clásico in the Copa del Rey. Ahead of the final, remarks made by the referees during the press conference stirred controversy.
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CRIED AT PRESS CONFERENCE
The controversy started when Real Madrid TV shared a video critical of referee Bengoetxea. During the press conference held for the final, Bengoetxea was unable to hold back tears when asked about the video, saying, "When your son comes home crying and says his father is a thief, it's really a tough situation. In moments like this, what I do is try to educate my son, explain to him that his father is honest above all else, and just like any other athlete, he can make mistakes."
CANCELED SCHECULED
Following these statements, Real Madrid canceled the normally scheduled press conference with coach Carlo Ancelotti and player Luka Modric, the last pre-match training session and the photo session with the trophy between the coaches and one player from each team.
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FIRST STATEMENT
In a statement released by the club, it was said, "The remarks made today by the referees appointed for the cup final are unacceptable. The events have once again shown their clear hostility towards Real Madrid. The Spanish Football Federation and the Refereeing Committee must take the necessary measures to protect the reputation of the institutions they represent."
WILL THEY WITHDRAW FROM THE MATCH?
Reports in the Spanish press have claimed that Real Madrid considered not playing the match if the referees were not changed.
SECOND STATEMENT
After the allegations, a new statement came from Real Madrid. The following statements were used in the statement:""
"In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow's final.
Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
Real Madrid understands that football's values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final."
