Mundo Deportivo reported that Real Madrid was considering withdrawing from the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, had it not been for last-minute government intervention.
The club wanted to replace referee Ricardo de Burgos after he cried during a press conference due to pressure from the press and Real Madrid TV.
The Spanish Football Federation rejected the idea of changing the referee, leading media outlets to report that Real Madrid was considering withdrawing. Los Blancos denied this, insisting that the idea had never been considered.
However, Mundo Deportivo reported that Florentino Pérez’s administration was seriously considering returning to Madrid and not playing El Clásico.
Meanwhile, Pérez was surprised by a phone call from José Manuel Rodríguez, president of the Spanish High Sports Council, who urged him to abandon this idea and play the match.
Under pressure from the government and fans, Real Madrid reversed its withdrawal and decided to play El Clásico even if De Burgos remained unchanged, postponing its dispute with the referees until after El Clásico.
It should be noted that the Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Saturday morning that De Burgos would referee the final and that there was no intention of replacing him.
