Real Madrid have been embroiled in another controversial saga in Spain as they face transfer links with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese has emerged as a possible target for Los Blancos as the La Liga giants look to rebuild their squad to win the top Spanish prize and the Champions League. However, as they prepare for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday (9pm kick-off), they have been embroiled in an another squabble surrounding refereeing in the country after an incredible back-and-forth with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who is due to take charge of the Clasico final. In the build-up to Saturday's domestic cup final, De Burgos Bengoetxea was reportedly a target of Real Madrid TV who posted a video highlighting the win percentages of Barcelona and Los Blancos with the 39-year-old in charge, as well as alleged mistakes and his lack of experience in the Champions League or FIFA competitions. During a press conference, an emotional De Burgos Bengoetxea said: "When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a 'thief' and comes home crying, it's totally messed up. "What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson." It is the latest ordeal involving Carlo Ancelotti's side after writing a formal letter of complaint to the Spanish football association and Spain's High Council of Sports to sensationally claim against referees in the country. Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, assistant Video Assistant Referee who was assigned the role for the final, spoke out against the club broadcaster. But Los Blancos issued a furious statement in response to the claims made by the official. "Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable," it read. "These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final's participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid. "Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone, alluding to the referees' unity, were used to announce alleged measures or actions that fall far short of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world. "Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent." It was suggested that Ancelotti's side could even boycott the domestic final, however, a further statement was issued and claimed they 'never considered' snubbing the chance at playing for silverware. "Real Madrid communicates that our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow's final," they added. "Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements of the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot stain a sporting event of global importance that hundreds of millions of people will see and also out of respect for all the fans who plan to travel to Seville, and to all those who are already in the Andalusian capital. "Real Madrid understands that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that have been evident today, once again against our club, by these referees designated for the final." In March, the Daily Star reported that Madrid were plotting a £90million move for Fernandes. It was said that Los Blancos had tracked the Portugal international home and away with scouts monitoring his showings as they plot a squad overhaul. Should the negotiations over price be difficult, Real Madrid will face the task of prizing him away from Ruben Amorim who sensationally shotdown links at the beginning of April. "No, it’s not going to -happen," he said. "That is the challenge. I want Bruno here because we want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players. "He’s [30] but still so [fit], plays 55 games every season and between assists and goals he’s there for 30 at least, so he’s not going anywhere."