Atletico Madrid launched a sharp attack on city rivals Real Madrid, saying, “Enough is enough.”
The situation escalated after continuous controversial remarks from Real Madrid’s players and coach about refereeing decisions, and a series of videos criticizing referees aired on Real Madrid TV. Tensions boiled over last Friday when the referees issued a strong counter-statement. Now, Atletico Madrid has also spoken out, criticizing their rivals harshly with the message, “Enough is enough.”
Real Madrid’s in-house channel, RM TV, often criticizes referees over various match decisions. On Thursday, they aired a video highlighting multiple mistakes made throughout the career of Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, the referee for the upcoming Copa del Rey final.
The pressure from RM TV’s constant scrutiny had a major emotional impact. During a press conference on Friday, De Burgos broke down in tears while speaking about the mental strain. In the same press conference, VAR official Gonzalez Fuertes warned that they would soon take “action” against RM TV.
Already known for their fierce criticism of Spanish refereeing, Real Madrid became even more furious. They demanded the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) remove both officials from the final. However, the federation firmly rejected the request, confirming that no referee changes would be made under any circumstances.
In protest, Real Madrid boycotted all pre-match activities — including training sessions open to media, press conferences, photo sessions with the coaches, and the traditional dinner between club presidents.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have clashed many times before over refereeing and other disputes. Once again, Atletico refused to stay silent. In the early hours of the final match day, they posted on X with the hashtag “Stop Referee Harassment Now,” writing, “It has become unbearable. The image of Spanish football has been sufficiently tarnished.”
Accusations against referees from Real Madrid are nothing new. After their loss to Espanyol in La Liga back in February, Real publicly expressed anger over refereeing decisions. The club, Europe’s most successful, even sent an open letter to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Spain’s Sports Council (CSD), accusing match officials of “cheating” and “corruption.”
However, the Spanish football authorities have rarely taken these complaints seriously. Other La Liga clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico, have repeatedly criticized Real Madrid’s behavior.
The entire situation has now reached a boiling point, overshadowing the final of Spain’s second-biggest football competition. Many, including Atletico, feel that “the final has become tarnished.”
There was, however, a glimmer of hope. On Friday, reports surfaced that Real Madrid might boycott the final if their demands were not met. But on Saturday, the club confirmed that they have no intention of boycotting the match.