La Liga: in tears, the Clasico referee breaks down in conference! (Video)

Less than 24 hours before the much-anticipated Clasico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, a rare event occurred: the referees assigned to the match held a press conference to denounce the pressure exerted by both clubs.

Visibly affected, they spoke out against a campaign to discredit them, initiated notably by Real Madrid's channel.

The latter had publicly questioned the appointment of Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, highlighting his lack of experience in the Champions League or FIFA competitions.

Bengoetxea: "Your father is a thief!"

However, it was another moment that left a lasting impression. The main referee, emotional, spoke to highlight the personal repercussions of this tension: online insults, repeated attacks, and even school harassment.

De Burgos's son, for example, is mocked at his school: "When a child hears that his father is a thief, it's unbearable," he confided, on the verge of tears. Video:

According to Cadena COPE, Real Madrid has now requested his replacement, deeming the referee "too affected" to officiate this explosive match. The Spanish Federation immediately refused. The tension is at its peak…

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.