Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Antonio Rudiger reported experiencing a racist incident during their 3-1 Club World Cup win over Mexican side Pachuca.
The confrontation occurred in stoppage time when Rudiger clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral, alleging he had been fouled in the build-up.
The German defender quickly informed referee Ramon Abatti Abel of the situation, prompting the official to cross his arms across his chest – a clear indication that FIFA’s anti-racism protocol had been triggered.
Cabral has denied making any racist remarks. He said he exchanged heated words with Rudiger, using an expletive and calling him a “coward,” but insisted there was no racial insult involved.
“The referee made the racism sign, but I was telling him the same thing the whole time,” Cabral explained. “It was a fight. We collided. He said that I hit him with my hand, and then there was an argument.”
When asked for clarification about what happened on the pitch, Alonso addressed the media: “Toni has informed us about something. We have to wait and see now. I think the FIFA protocol has been activated to investigate.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger says he was racially abused in the closing stages of the match against Pachuca at the Club World Cup. pic.twitter.com/R72RD4DFBI
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 23, 2025
“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.”
The FIFA protocol Alonso referred to is a three-step procedure that includes halting the match, temporarily suspending it, and ultimately abandoning it if racist behaviour persists.
Pachuca’s head coach Jaime Lozano, speaking after the match at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium, said he had no prior knowledge of the incident.
“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. 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.”
This isn’t the first time Rudiger has spoken out on the issue. Back in 2021, while playing for Chelsea, he voiced frustration about the ineffectiveness of anti-racism efforts in football, stating “nothing ever really changes” but vowing to “continue to fight” against discrimination.
