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As the drama unfolded, Real Madrid released two critical statements, the second of which read: “In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow’s final.<\/p>\n
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees designated for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people, and out of respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.<\/p>\n
“Real Madrid believes that the values \u200b\u200bof football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been manifested once again today against our club by the referees appointed for the final.”<\/p>\n
Back in February, Real Madrid wrote a formal letter of complaint<\/a> to the Spanish FA (RFEF) and Spain’s High Council for Sports saying Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”.<\/p>\n In Friday’s news conference, De Burgos Bengoetxea said: “It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.<\/p>\n “Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”<\/p>\n The Spaniard, who also officiates in Uefa club and international competitions, has previously taken charge of Clasico encounters.<\/p>\n VAR Fuertes added: “Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking.<\/p>\n “We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.<\/p>\n “We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.”<\/p>\n Barcelona boss Hansi Flick later echoed the call for action when speaking to the media.<\/p>\n “For me, it’s only a sport,” said the German. “It’s only a game. It’s only football. It is our responsibility to protect not only the players, but all the people involved in the game.<\/p>\n “It’s not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch there are some decisions that are about emotion but after the match, we should be done with it. Something must be done.”<\/p>\n After February’s letter of complaint, which followed a 1-0 loss to Espanyol, La Liga president Javier Tebas said Real Madrid had “lost their head”.<\/p>\n Later that month the RFEF condemned the “repulsive” abuse<\/a> suffered by referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero after he sent off Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham against Osasuna.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n