There have been unconfirmed reports in Spain that Real Madrid are considering boycotting the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona after their request to eject head referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was rejected by the Spanish football federation.

The referee for the final of the Copa del Rey has choked up while denouncing the toxic environment his family has endured after Real Madrid's television channel ran a video discrediting him ahead of the game against Barcelona.

Copa del Rey final news conference and training session -- as well as the official photo-call -- on Friday, in protest at comments made by the refereeing team ahead of the game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric had been due to speak to the media at La Cartuja stadium,