Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea: Real Madrid hit back after cup final referee’s tears over criticism

Real Madrid said they considered the “statements made by the referees to be unacceptable”.

“These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final’s participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid,” the club added in a statement.

“Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent.”

Back in February, Real Madrid wrote a formal letter of complaint to the Spanish FA (RFEF) and Spain’s High Council for Sports saying Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”.

In Friday’s news conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea said: “It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.

“Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”

The Spaniard, who also officiates in Uefa club and international competitions, has previously taken charge of Clasico encounters.

VAR Fuertes added: “Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking.

“We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.

“We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.”

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick later echoed the call for action when speaking to the media.

“For me, it’s only a sport,” said the German. “It’s only a game. It’s only football. It is our responsibility to protect not only the players, but all the people involved in the game.

“It’s not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch there are some decisions that are about emotion but after the match, we should be done with it. Something must be done.”

After February’s letter of complaint, which followed a 1-0 loss to Espanyol, La Liga president Javier Tebas said Real Madrid had “lost their head”.

Later that month the RFEF condemned the “repulsive” abuse suffered by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero after he sent off Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham against Osasuna.