It's classico! Refereeing chaos surrounded turbulent Copa del Rey Final

The aftermath of the latest Copa del Rey final showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona has inevitably focused intensely on the performance of match official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Tasked with managing one of world football's most high-stakes encounters, the referee found himself at the centre of numerous contentious incidents that dominated post-match analysis.

Specific moments under the microscope included a controversial penalty decision involving Barcelona's Raphinha, where VAR audio later revealed detailed discussion about which leg made contact, highlighting the fine margins and interpretations involved. The match also saw significant disciplinary action, further fueling the debate. Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger lost his composure, reportedly throwing an object identified as ice bag towards the official, leading to his expulsion after needing to be restrained by teammates.

Midfield sensation Jude Bellingham also saw red, marking his third dismissal, allegedly accompanied by repetition of a previous infamous outburst towards an official. Further dissent was reported from Dani Carvajal, who directed insults at Burgos Bengoetxea.

These flashpoints became the subject of intense scrutiny, with media outlets dissecting every decision and non-decision made by the officiating team. The pressure cooker environment of El Clásico often magnifies refereeing decisions, turning controversial moments into major talking points fuelled by partisan support from both clubs.

This scenario is strikingly familiar to observers of Turkish football. The intense rivalry between Istanbul powerhouses Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe creates a similarly volatile atmosphere for referees. Matches between these two clubs are frequently followed by weeks of debate over officiating, accusations of bias from both sides, media frenzies, and immense pressure placed upon the referees.

Much like in Spain with the Real Madrid-Barcelona dynamic, the polarised fanbases and media landscape in Turkey ensure that refereeing decisions involving the top rivals are rarely accepted quietly, often leading to conspiracy theories and sustained criticism of the officials.

The pressure became so intense that a foreign referee, Slovenia's Slavko Vincic (who officiated the 2024 Champions League final), had been appointed for the most recent Super League Gala-Fener derby in an attempt to mitigate controversy over local officiating which was -and still is- a testament to the challenges faced.

Beyond the on-field decisions, the intense fallout has taken a significant personal toll on Burgos Bengoetxea. In a poignant moment, the referee revealed the human cost of such scrutiny, breaking down as he shared that his son was being called a "thief" at school due to the public criticism surrounding his father's job.

This highlights the often-overlooked personal anguish referees endure in the face of intense public pressure and abuse, a reality shared by officials caught in the crossfire of major rivalries like El Clásico or the Istanbul derby. The final whistle signals the end of the match, but for the referee, the scrutiny and its consequences often continue long after.

Whether in Madrid, Barcelona, or Istanbul, referees officiating these cauldron-like encounters operate under immense pressure, where every whistle blow is analyzed, debated, and often weaponized within the context of fierce historical rivalries. The controversies surrounding the 2025 Copa del Rey final serve as a stark reminder of the difficult, and often personally damaging, environment these officials must navigate.