Djibril Cissé has accused Real Madrid of fear tactics as the Spanish giants sparked controversy by questioning the officiating ahead of their Copa del Rey final clash with Barcelona.
With the final set for Saturday, 26 April 2025, tensions between Spain’s two biggest clubs have escalated dramatically. Real Madrid raised eyebrows earlier this week by casting doubt over their participation, citing concerns about the appointment of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
The Madrid leadership, still aggrieved by what they perceive as a series of unfavourable decisions in past matches officiated by De Burgos Bengoetxea, formally petitioned La Liga for a change of referee.
However, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dismissed the request outright, standing firm against mounting pressure from club president Florentino Pérez and his executive team.
As Real Madrid’s frustration spilled into the public domain, former France international Djibril Cissé weighed in on the controversy. Speaking candidly, Cissé suggested that Madrid’s agitation was less about refereeing standards and more about fear of suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of Barcelona.
“For me, it’s very simple,” Cissé said. “When you start talking about boycotting a final because of the referee, it’s because you’re scared. They are afraid of being crushed by Barça.”
Cissé’s sharp comments have only added fuel to the fire ahead of a final already rich in narrative. The Frenchman, known for his fearless playing style and blunt opinions, did not hold back in his criticism, accusing Real Madrid of attempting to find excuses even before the match had begun.
The episode has cast a shadow over what is typically one of Spanish football’s showcase events. Many observers had anticipated a tense but electrifying encounter between two sides vying for domestic silverware and bragging rights. Instead, attention has been dominated by off-field drama and Real Madrid’s apparent discontent with the officiating setup.
Despite the uproar, the Spanish federation has reiterated its confidence in De Burgos Bengoetxea’s ability to manage the final impartially. Officials emphasized that appointments are made based on performance metrics and experience, rather than on any club’s preferences.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have remained largely silent on the issue, preferring to focus on their preparations. Sources close to the Catalan club indicated that they view Madrid’s complaints as a psychological tactic designed to unsettle both the referee and Barça’s players ahead of the decisive encounter.
For Cissé, however, the matter is clear-cut. Real Madrid’s actions, in his view, betray a fear of facing Barcelona under pressure on the biggest stage.
His remarks have resonated widely across social media and the footballing community, with fans and pundits divided over whether Madrid’s concerns are legitimate or simply a smokescreen.
Regardless of the pre-match controversy, the stage is now set for an intense and closely watched final. Whether Real Madrid’s gambit will affect the dynamics on the pitch remains to be seen, but if Cissé’s comments are anything to go by, the psychological battle has already begun.
With kick-off fast approaching, players and supporters alike are left to wonder whether the drama off the field will influence the outcome of Spanish football’s grandest domestic showdown.
