Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reported an alleged incident of racial abuse towards defender Antonio Rudiger during their Club World Cup triumph over Mexico's Pachuca. Alonso confirmed that a formal complaint had been lodged after a confrontation between Rudiger and Pachuca skipper Gustavo Cabral occurred in added time. It is unclear if the alleged abuse was from a player or someone in the crowd.
"That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him," Alonso disclosed after the match which ended 3-1 to Real Madrid in Charlotte. "It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say." Although FIFA has not yet issued a statement regarding the matter, the referee Ramon Abatti signalled the implementation of the anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms across his chest during the game.
Despite facing adversity with Raul Asencio's early expulsion from the field, Real Madrid managed to secure their position at the top of Group H.
Asencio received a red card just seven minutes into the match for fouling Salomon Rondon, adding to Alonso's challenges, especially with star forward Kylian Mbappe absent due to illness.
Nevertheless, after enduring pressure from the opposition, Real seized the lead with Jude Bellingham scoring in the 35th minute, followed by Arda Guler increasing the advantage.
Later, Federico Valverde's volley extended Real's lead further before Elias Montiel scored a consolatory goal for the Mexican side.
Real Madrid secured their first victory of the tournament, drawing level with Red Bull Salzburg on four points after Salzburg's goalless draw with Al Hilal in Washington DC.
Real are set to face Salzburg in their final match of the first stage on Thursday night (2am Friday UK), but with Al Hilal trailing by just two points, the group remains wide open.
Kenan Yildiz was the star of the show as Juventus advanced from Group G with a 4-1 triumph over Wydad Casablanca, while Manchester City also made it to the last 16 by thrashing Al Ain 6-0.
Ilkay Gundogan was on target twice as City proved too powerful for their Abu Dhabi-based rivals.
The outcome appeared inevitable from the moment Gundogan fortuitously lobbed the keeper to open the scoring just eight minutes in.
Youngster Claudio Echeverri marked his inaugural City start by netting the second from a free-kick, and Erling Haaland extended the lead to 3-0 from the penalty spot before half-time.
Gundogan rounded off a slick move with a goal at the 73-minute mark, before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki added late strikes to the tally.