His VAR colleague, Pablo González Fuertes -- an experienced official -- went further, directly addressing Real Madrid's targeting of referees through videos broadcast on the club's TV channel. Real Madrid's row with referees escalated in the Copa del Rey final, with an official in tears before the game and three players sent off at the end. But the payments' existence is not in dispute and has been sufficient to leave Real Madrid, and their fans, with a deep-seated mistrust of referees. Atlético, in the buildup to the derby on Feb. 8, launched a social media campaign accusing Real Madrid of seeking to influence officials. At Real Madrid's game with Girona at the Bernabéu, the message was met with loud, prolonged whistles from the crowd.