• Real Madrid boycotted pre-match activities following referee criticism.
• Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea expressed tears over pressure from Real's TV channel.
• Barcelona manager Hansi Flick called for protection of referees to ensure fair play.

Real Madrid has chosen to boycott all pre-match activities ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona over the emotional comments made by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who spoke about the intense pressure that referees face from the club's television channel, Real Madrid TV. The referee broke down in tears during a press conference where he recounted the emotional impact of the criticism he has received, stating, "When a child arrives at school and his mates tell him that his father is a thief, it makes you sick," which has spurred controversy surrounding this crucial match. This outburst came after RMTV broadcasted a video criticizing the officiating decisions made by De Burgos throughout his career, contributing to Real Madrid's decision to withdraw from several official events, including media sessions and the traditional presidents' dinner before the match, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, BBC, and Dawn.

The controversy intensified as Real Madrid made a formal declaration of their grievances, referring to the referee's statements as "unacceptable" and indicative of a hostile environment for their team. They stated that the communications from De Burgos and the video aired by RMTV displayed a "clear animosity" towards the club, leading to their notable boycott of pre-Copa del Rey activities, which traditionally include open training sessions and press engagements, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the video assistant referee (VAR) for the upcoming final, echoed the sentiments of De Burgos, indicating that referees have reached a tipping point due to persistent criticism. He warned that they would need to take serious measures soon in response to this ongoing situation, reinforcing the need for support in their role, as emphasized by several key voices in football, including Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick. Flick remarked, "It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game," highlighting the wider implications of such referee treatment in professional sport according to Channel News Asia, Dawn, and BBC.

In the backdrop of this contentious situation, Barcelona, who are potential quadruple winners this season, expressed a desire to maintain the integrity of the sport and protect referees amidst heightened scrutiny. Flick called for unity in how referees are treated post-match, suggesting that football should ultimately remain just a game, free from undue pressure and hostility, according to Al Jazeera and Dawn.