Real Madrid Defender Antonio Rüdiger Alleges Racist Insult by Club World Cup Opponent

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Antonio Rudiger reported a racist incident during their 3-1 Club World Cup win over Mexican side Pachuca in Charlotte.

The complaint came following a clash between Rudiger and Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in stoppage time. It remains unclear whether the alleged abuse came from a player or a spectator.

Rudiger informed referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who then activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him,” Alonso told reporters in his post-match press conference. “It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”

During the incident, the referee signaled the designated ‘No Racism Gesture’ by crossing his arms, marking the initiation of an official investigation.

This action is part of FIFA’s updated anti-racism protocol, introduced in 2024. The crossed-arms gesture serves as the first step in a potential three-stage process for addressing discriminatory behavior on the field.