Antonio Rudiger complained to officials that he had been racially abused in a heated exchange during the match
FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral following an incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger during their Club World Cup clash on Sunday.
The moment came deep into stoppage time of the match in Charlotte, where Rudiger and Cabral became involved in a heated exchange after what appeared to be a foul on the German defender. Referee Ramon Abatti immediately responded by crossing his forearms in front of his chest, which was a signal that FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol had been triggered.
In a statement, FIFA said: “Following an assessment of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against CF Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral in relation to the incident involving him and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger during the FIFA Club World Cup game played in Charlotte on 22 June.”
Rudiger had immediately reported the matter to the referee, and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso backed his player after the final whistle.
“That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” said Alonso in the post-match press conference. “We support Antonio because this is something unacceptable. There’s no tolerance for this at any level of football.”
Cabral denied making any racist remarks, insisting he only swore and called Rudiger a coward.
The Pachuca defender said: “It was a fight, we collided. He said that I hit him with my hand, and then there was an argument. The referee made the sign of racism, but I repeated the same thing all the time.
The incident overshadowed Real Madrid’s 3-1 win with 10 men and the first three points under new manager Xabi Alonso. FIFA’s investigation is ongoing, and the outcome could have serious implications for Cabral if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
