India, April 26 -- On the eve of the Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, a storm erupted between Real and the match officials, throwing preparations into chaos and casting a shadow over Spanish football's showpiece event. The dramatic turn of events unfolded after Real Madrid accused the final's refereeing team of harbouring "animosity and hostility" towards the club, following an emotional press conference by match referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

The referee broke down in tears while responding to a critical compilation aired on Real Madrid TV (RMTV), which highlighted what it described as a series of officiating errors made by De Burgos throughout his career. The club, stunned by the referee's public response...