(foto: Getty Images)
Celta Vigo poked fun at Real Madrid’s referee meltdown ahead of the Copa del Rey final, while Atletico Madrid demanded an end to the “embarrassment” damaging Spanish football.
Spanish football has been buzzing with reactions to the dramatic referee controversy involving Real Madrid ahead of tonight’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
As Real Madrid threatened not to show up at one point, Celta Vigo couldn’t resist having a bit of fun. The Galician club, who were eliminated by Madrid earlier in the tournament, posted a mock starting eleven graphic online, cheekily offering to step in and play the final against Barcelona.
While Celta took a playful approach, Atletico Madrid responded far more seriously. The capital club criticized their rivals for what they see as an embarrassing episode, damaging the image of Spanish football on the eve of a global showcase event.
Atletico launched a solidarity campaign with referees under the slogan: “Stop harassing referees now”, sending a strong message in support of officials after a tense week that saw accusations, public tears, and resignations in the refereeing community.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed there will be no changes to the refereeing team for tonight’s El Clasico final, which kicks off at 10 p.m. at La Cartuja in Seville.
With emotions already sky-high, the football itself now has a massive off-pitch storm to live up to tonight when Barcelona and Real Madrid finally clash for the Copa del Rey crown.