Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has claimed he was subjected to racial abuse during his team’s 3-1 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in the Club World Cup on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
The alleged incident occurred in stoppage time following a clash between the German, who replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 78th minute, and Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral.
Following the altercation, the 32-year-old approached referee Ramon Abatti Abel to express his concern, and the official responded by crossing his arms in front of his chest, signalling the activation of FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Cabral, however, has denied using any racist language, claiming that while he used an expletive, he only called Rudiger a “coward” during the exchange.
The match, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, ended shortly after the confrontation, but tensions escalated again after the final whistle, with players from both teams engaging in a heated exchange.
Speaking after the game, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Rudiger had made a serious allegation and expressed his full support for the Germany international.
“That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso told reporters in his post-match press conference. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”
Last week campaigners criticised FIFA after it appeared to drop anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup.
Real Madrid saw off Pachuca despite being down to 10 men, with goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Federico Valverde cancelling out Elias Montiel’s consolation strike.
Los Blancos clinched their first win in the tournament and sit atop Group H with four points, and will play RB Salzburg in their final group game on Thursday night.
