Madrid was seriously considering not showing up for the Copa del Rey final, although they have finally changed their mind. The culprit has a name: González Fuertes, a veteran Spanish referee, who will end up serving as VAR in La Cartuja. Some words before the Clásico against Barça were not well received, and although they tried to ensure he wouldn't be at his post on Saturday, it wasn't possible.
Josep Pedrerol Points to González Fuertes
In a special program of El Chiringuito, Josep Pedrerol was very sharp against González Fuertes. He pointed to him as the main culprit for Madrid considering not showing up for the Clásico, indicating that "you can't be judge and jury." The anger is real, as the Catalan journalist has publicly revealed.
"González Fuertes will be the VAR referee. What a mess you've made, Pablo. What a mess you've made. You can't be judge and jury, my friend. Because of you, the Copa del Rey final was almost canceled," Pedrerol stated on El Chiringuito.
The Barça-Madrid is No Longer in Danger
Despite it being a real possibility that the Barça-Madrid wouldn't be played due to the absence of the whites, it was the club itself that conveyed calm:
"In light of the rumors that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C. F. communicates that our team has never considered not playing today's final.
Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made by the referees appointed for this match, 24 hours before the final, can't tarnish a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and out of respect also for all the fans who plan to travel to Seville, and all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.
Real Madrid understands that the values of soccer must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have once again been demonstrated against our club by these referees appointed for the final."