SEVILLE, APRIL 27: Real Madrid pride themselves on their 'señorio' -- gentlemanliness, honourable approach, or class -- none of which was evident during a frightening weekend for Spanish football.
Los Blancos were outplayed in a gripping Clasico Copa del Rey final by rivals Barcelona, who triumphed 3-2 in Seville to lift the cup -- beating Madrid for the third time in three encounters this season.
Madrid's actions before the match and in its denouement, with Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez sent off in a blizzard of red cards, ripped at the fabric of the game.
Rudiger and Bellingham needed to be restrained as they confronted the official, with the former "throwing an object" at the referee, he wrote in his report, which could lead to a lengthy ban.
For many months Real Madrid have attacked Spanish referees via their official television channel, and after taking umbrage with a decision in February, they published a letter of complaint labelling officiating in the country "rigged" and "completely discredited".
The situation simmered on in the background for weeks, before an emotional news conference from the Copa del Rey final officials brought it back to the boil on Friday.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears as he explained the impact Madrid's attacks have had on his family life and that of other referees.
VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes suggested officials will have to take "much more serious measures" and said in the coming days referees would "make history", hinting at a possible strike.
Real Madrid flew off the handle -- they pulled out of all scheduled preview events on Friday, including the press conferences, a presidents' dinner and a photo-call.
It brought to mind their blanket snub of the Ballon d'Or last October after discovering Vinicius Junior would not win. �"AFP
