Real Madrid have insisted they never considered boycotting the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday night.
Los Blancos skipped the pregame news conference and training session on Friday, in protest over comments made by the refereeing team.
“Our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final,” Real Madrid said in a Spanish-language statement.
“Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance which will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. We also express our respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those already in the Andalusian capital.
“Real Madrid believes that the values of football must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has been demonstrated once again today against our club by these referees appointed for the final.”
Madrid were left fuming over remarks made by referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea and video assistant referee Pablo González Fuertes.
Burgos Bengoetxea and Fuertes spoke about Madrid’s frequent criticism of match officials in videos broadcast on Real Madrid TV.
