Hansi Flick believes that disrespecting referees is completely inappropriate.
Ahead of the Copa del Rey final, the topic of refereeing has been at the center of discussions. Naturally, this issue also came up during Hansi Flick’s press conference. The Barcelona coach stated that it is entirely unacceptable to disrespect referees.
On Saturday, Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the final of Spain’s second-best competition. The match will be held at Sevilla’s stadium and will kick off at 2 AM Bangladesh time.
Real Madrid’s own TV channel, RM TV, often criticizes various refereeing decisions in their matches. In a video released Thursday, they highlighted several mistakes made by the final’s referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, throughout his career.
Due to the criticism from RM TV, Bengoetxea broke down in tears during Friday’s press conference. In the same conference, the video assistant referee (VAR) for the final, Gonzales Fuertes, issued a warning, stating that action would soon be taken against RM TV.
Spanish media reports suggest that Real Madrid requested that Bengoetxea and Fuertes be removed from the final. However, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that no referee changes would be made under any circumstances.
As a result of their demands being rejected, Real Madrid canceled their training and press conference the day before the final. However, before Madrid’s decision, Flick had already attended his press conference. He was asked for his opinion on the tears of the referee and Real Madrid’s request for a change. The German coach shared his thoughts:
“We must protect the people around us. On the field, there are decisions that have an impact, but once the match is over, everything is finished. Everyone wants to see the players on the field. We need our referees.”
