Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger Alleges Racial Abuse During FIFA Club World Cup Match (image-X/bestgug)

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, in the match on Sunday, alleged that he was racially abused. The incident reportedly occurred during the match against Mexican side Pachuca, which Real Madrid won 3–1.

Towards the end of the game, as the five minutes of added stoppage time approached, an argument was noticed between both groups. Rudiger was visibly angered following an exchange of words with Pachuca’s captain, Gustavo Cabral, after the final whistle.

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After they were dismissed, a brief discussion took place with the referee Ramon Abatti, and then he crossed his forearms in front of his chest. This signaled the activation of the anti-racism protocol.

Later, Real Madrid’s newly appointed coach, Xabi Alonso, had also confirmed that Rudiger had said to the team he had been racially abused. “Toni told us something, we support Toni and we will see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Cabral had denied racially abusing the German centre-back. Speaking after the game, he said his words were misinterpreted by Rudiger.

The Argentine said he had called the defender a “coward,” with the Spanish phrase he used similar to another which is linked to racist abuse.

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When asked about the incident, Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano said he was unaware of what had happened. “I just found out from you, you are letting me know, we did not talk about it in the dressing room, I haven’t spoken to Cabral about this, I cannot give you an explanation about it because this is the first (I have heard of) this news,” he said.

He further stated that “nothing justifies” racist abuse.