Real Madrid dismiss claims they will boycott Copa del Rey final 'despite hostility and animosity' after calling for referee to be replaced a day before clash against Barcelona

On Friday, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea came under the spotlight after the Spanish official broke down in tears during his press conference as he shared that his son had been bullied in school after Real Madrid TV targeted criticism towards him, claiming he had a bias towards the Catalan side and hinted at corruption. Just minutes later, Madrid requested a change in the refereeing team, citing that Bengoetxea would not be able to officiate fairly. However, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) denied their request, prompting Los Blancos to cancel their press conference and training session ahead of the Copa del Rey final clash.

Madrid's sudden cancellation of their training session and press conference prompted reports that the club would be boycotting the Copa del Rey final. However, the 15-time European champions have now confirmed that they will be going ahead with the clash, but have continued to antagonise Bengoetxea and the referees involved in the clash.

Having already released a statement hours earlier, taking shots at the 'integrity' of the tournament, Madrid posted a new statement which read: "In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow's final.

"Our club believes that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. We are also respectful of all the fans who are scheduled to travel to Seville, and all those already in the Andalusian capital.

"Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been demonstrated once again today against our club by these referees appointed for the final."

The murmurs from the Barcelona dressing room have suggested that they always knew that Real Madrid would take part in the final, as they believed the reports and statements from Los Blancos were purely theatrical and meant to further antagonise Bengoetxea and the refereeing team, and to put more pressure on them ahead of the crucial clash on Saturday.