Atletico Madrid did not remain silent after all the controversies leading up to the Copa del Rey final. The club, witnessing the refereeing complaints raised by Real Madrid, issued a sharp statement: “This is unbearable. Enough of tarnishing the image of Spanish football.”

They also used the hashtag #StopAcosoArbitralYa (Stop Referee Harassment Now) to show full support for the referees.

Although Atletico Madrid was not the center of attention on Saturday at La Cartuja Stadium, they were not spared from the surrounding controversies. After Real Madrid issued a harsh statement against the referees, refused to train at the final venue, and canceled their official press conference, Atletico joined the critics of Real’s behavior.

The club, led by President Enrique Cerezo, reiterated the message #StopAcosoArbitralYa, which they had previously used during clashes with Real Madrid in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. This season, Atletico faced Real after the latter heavily criticized refereeing decisions in their match against Espanyol.

Real Madrid, in their statement, claimed that the refereeing they faced was “the peak of a completely discredited refereeing system.” Consequently, in the hours leading up to the match against Atletico Madrid, the club launched a campaign condemning “pressure, intimidation, or fear” against referees on their official TV channel.

Atletico responded shortly after, accusing Real Madrid fans of “using an army of friendly journalists to spread illusions.” Finally, before the La Liga match against Real, Atletico sent another message: “We want to express our full support and solidarity with the refereeing team and their families and friends. These have been very tough days for the world of football. Stay strong.” This message was in response to what Atletico perceived as pressure from Real Madrid on the referees.

Now, weeks later, after one of the most controversial Copa del Rey finals in history, Atletico Madrid did not want to miss the opportunity to express their anger over the pressure Real Madrid exerts on referees before crucial matches.