Complaint came after confrontation between defender and the Pachuca captain involving a series of verbal exchanges
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger reported an alleged racist incident during his team’s 3-1 win over Pachuca in the Club World Cup, prompting FIFA’s anti-racism protocol to be activated in the final moments of the match.
The incident occurred in stoppage time, after Rudiger collided with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral. The German international immediately protested to referee Ramon Abatti, who then made the signal associated with FIFA’s three-step racism procedure by crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said: “Toni has informed us about something. We have to wait and see now. I think the FIFA protocol has been activated to investigate. But if something did happen, measures need to be taken and we support Antonio because this is something unacceptable.
“There’s no tolerance for this at any level of football and whenever it occurs measures must be taken. That’s what Antonio has told us and we believe him.”
Cabral denied making any racist remarks: “It was a fight. We collided. He said that I hit him with my hand, and then there was an argument and the referee made the racism sign, but I was telling him the same thing the whole time.
The match, played in Charlotte, North Carolina, ended shortly after the confrontation, though tensions continued after the final whistle as players exchanged words again.
Pachuca manager Jaime Lozano admitted he had not been aware of the allegation during the match but promised to speak to Cabral.
“I haven’t spoken to Cabral about this,” said Lozano. “I cannot give you an explanation about it because this is the first [I have heard of] this news.
“It cannot be justified at all. I’ve known him for a little while and I have never heard of something like that with Pachuca players. I cannot defend my captain at any cost but I will talk about it with him.”
FIFA has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but their racism protocol allows referees to pause, suspend or abandon matches in cases of discriminatory abuse.
