Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was visibly emotional ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, citing the intense scrutiny and personal toll stemming from Real Madrid TV’s critical coverage of Spanish referees.

The 39-year-old, set to officiate the high-stakes Clasico final in Seville (21:00 BST kick-off), addressed a video aired by the club’s official channel that questioned his credibility—highlighting Real Madrid’s lower win rate under his officiating, his lack of Champions League appointments, and alleged past errors.

“When your child comes home crying because classmates call his father a ‘thief,’ it’s devastating,” De Burgos said through tears. “I’m honest, and I make mistakes like any athlete, but what’s happening to referees, even at grassroots levels, is not right.”

The video adds to a season-long campaign by Real Madrid, who in February claimed in a formal letter that Spanish refereeing was ‘rigged’ and ‘discredited’. The tension has escalated throughout La Liga, drawing criticism from across Spanish football.

VAR official Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes echoed De Burgos’ frustrations, warning of imminent collective action from referees: “We won’t continue to tolerate this. We’re going to make history—we’ve had enough.”

With pressure mounting ahead of one of the biggest matches in Spanish football, this latest episode underscores the toxic environment surrounding officiating in La Liga—now a central subplot to Saturday’s cup final clash.