Football/Spain: Referees break down in tears ahead of El Clásico Cup Clash

Tensions reached boiling point Friday as the referees for Saturday’s Copa del Rey semifinal between Real Madrid and Barcelona held an extraordinary press conference – with lead official De Burgos Bengoetxea tearfully describing how his children get bullied at school due to the club’s criticism.

The emotional outburst came after Real Madrid TV, the club’s official channel, published statistics suggesting bias in the referee’s past decisions. “When your son comes home crying because classmates call his father a thief, it’s unbearable,” the visibly shaken referee stated.

Real Madrid responded defiantly, insisting they merely presented facts, while controversially demanding the officials be replaced – a request immediately rejected by the Spanish FA.

Catalan media labeled the move “surreal,” as the prematch drama threatens to overshadow one of world football’s biggest rivalries.

With both clubs now hypersensitive to refereeing decisions, Saturday’s high-stakes clash risks being remembered more for off-field controversies than on-field brilliance – another chapter in Spanish football’s growing crisis of authority.

Experts warn such public breakdowns in trust could have lasting consequences for La Liga’s credibility.