In an official statement, Atletico Madrid launched a sharp attack on Real Madrid over the refereeing crisis in the Copa del Rey final.
The club had demanded the replacement of referee Ricardo de Burgos and his assistant, VAR Gonzalez Futeres, following Friday’s press conference and his criticism of Real TV and its attacks on refereeing.
The crisis continued until late at night, when Real Madrid confirmed in an official statement that it would not withdraw in response to reports that Carlo Ancelotti’s team might not play in El Clásico.
Atletico Madrid responded to the incident in a statement, saying, “This is intolerable. Stop tarnishing the image of Spanish football. Stop harassing referees now.”
Atletico supported the referees, saying, “We would like to express our full support and solidarity with the refereeing team, their families, and friends. The football family is going through difficult days. All our support and courage to them.”
Atletico Madrid attacked Real Madrid during their La Liga match last March, protesting the way Real Madrid TV, pro-Real Madrid journalists, and what was deemed “intimidation of referees.” Atletico officials believe that Real Madrid’s policy of intimidating referees to gain advantage on the pitch remains the same, a practice that spoils football and matches in general.
