The build-up to Saturday night's Copa del Rey final took a bizarre turn, with Real Madrid cancelling their press conference and official training session after an interview by referee De Burgos Bengoetxea went viral.

A video released by Real Madrid on Thursday claimed that they won 64 per cent of their games when Bengoetxea oversaw the matches, compared to 81 per cent by Barcelona. An unnamed voice called it "an incredible difference" while also questioning his talent and showing images of his alleged errors.

An emotional Bengoetxea hit back at the Madrid TV video. "Look, we are talking a lot about Real Madrid TV videos and it is truth that it is a lot of media attention about it, but I am going to give you a few samples of things that are happening to colleagues and then you give me your opinion about it.

"When your child goes to school and is told their father is a thief by other kids, that's really tough.

"All I am trying to do is educate my son, so he knows his father is honest, especially honest, but that also makes mistakes like any other person, and that's really tough and I won't wish that to anybody.

"But the day I retire I want my son to feel proud about what his father did and refereeing and its values. Everything that we are going through not just in professional football, that is affecting our families, but also in the grassroots football.

"So, it is time for everyone to reflect what we want to do and what we want to achieve in sport and in football. OK? I just wanted you to know about it."

As the situation escalated, the rumours of Real Madrid withdrawing from Sunday's Copa del Rey final flew thick and fast.

However, the club ruled out such a possibility. "In light of the rumours that have emerged in recent hours, Real Madrid CF announces that our team has never considered withdrawing from tomorrow's final," a Real Madrid statement read.

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

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

It is the latest development in an ongoing feud between Spanish officials and Real Madrid. Earlier this season, Real Madrid filed a complaint against the Spanish league's referees, prompting LaLiga president Javier Tebas to accuse the club of "losing their minds".

Concerns about abuse directed at referees prompted the RFEF to issue a statement in February after Jose Munuera Montero was the subject of a backlash after sending off Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid will take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Sunday.

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