Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Seville is set to go ahead after a chaotic few hours.
Real Madrid were said to be considering boycotting the game after being angered by match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. The club are thought to have wanted the official replaced but that isn’t going to happen.
Los Blancos have now issued a statement and confirmed they are going to play.
“In light of the rumors that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final.
“Our club believes that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. We are also respectful of all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and all those already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been demonstrated once again today against our club by these referees appointed for the final.”
After their earlier petulance it seems sense has finally prevailed in Madrid. Let’s just hope it’s the football we are talking about after tomorrow night’s game and not the match officials.
