Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso says Antonio Rudiger faced racist abuse during Club World Cup victory
HEATED EXCHANGE Gustavo Cabral of CF Pachuca reacts with Antonio Ruediger of Real Madrid C. F. during an altercation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match at Bank of America Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Picture:/AFP
Image:/AFP
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said his defender Antonio Rudiger had complained of a racist incident at the end of Sunday's 3-1 Club World Cup win over Mexican side Pachuca.
Rudiger was visibly angered following an exchange of words with Pachuca's Gustavo Cabral after the final whistle and spoke to Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti Abel.
Cabral denied he had racially abused the German centre-back.
Asked about the incident in the post-match press conference, Alonso said:
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FIFA Protocol Activated Following Alleged Racist Incident Involving Rudiger and Cabral
"Toni told us something, we support Toni and we will see what happens.
"I think the FIFA protocol has been activated to investigate, but if it has happened, all measures should be taken and we support Antonio because it's something unacceptable.
"In football there is no tolerance for this, and if it happened, then measures should be taken. This is what Antonio has told us and we believe him. It's being investigated now," he said.
Cabral, 39, spoke after the game and said his words had been misinterpreted by Rudiger.
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