Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger said he was racially abused by Pachuca defender Gustavo Cabral during Sunday's Club World Cup game, according to Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso.
The incident took place in the final moments of the match in Charlotte, which Madrid won 3-1. Following a confrontation between Rüdiger and Cabral, referee Ramon Abatti crossed his forearms in front of his chest, signaling the activation of FIFA's anti-racism protocol.
“Toni has told us something, the FIFA protocol is activated and an investigation is under way,” Alonso said during his post-match press conference. “We believe him. It is unacceptable.”
Asked if Rüdiger had been the victim of racism during the game, Alonso replied: "That's what Rüdiger said, and we believe him."
For his part, Cabral denied using racist language toward the German defender.
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“It was a fight, we collided, he said that I hit him with my hand and then there was an argument and the referee made the sign of racism," Cabral told reporters after the game.
"In Argentina we say “cagon de mierda” (a profanity used to call someone a coward), all the time. I told him the same thing."
Pachuca was eliminated from the Club World Cup with the defeat, having also lost its opener to Red Bull Salzburg.
Madrid is tied on four points with Salzburg atop Group H, with the teams set to meet on Thursday in Philadelphia in the group finale.