Antonio Rudiger Alleges Racial Abuse During Club World Cup Match

During a tense 3-1 victory for Real Madrid over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup, Antonio Rudiger claimed he was racially insulted by opponent Gustavo Cabral in stoppage time. The incident prompted the referee to activate FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol.

The confrontation occurred at the end of the match in Charlotte, where Rudiger approached the referee after exchanging words with Cabral. Witnesses inside the stadium allege Cabral directed a racist slur at Rudiger, using the Spanish phrase “negro de mierda,” which translates to a highly offensive racial insult.

Cabral denied the accusation, stating he called Rudiger a “cagon de mierda” — meaning “f***ing coward.” Despite no immediate disciplinary action, the referee was seen performing FIFA’s “No Racism” gesture by crossing his arms, indicating the incident will be further investigated.

This gesture is part of FIFA’s updated anti-racism procedures introduced in 2024, serving as the first step in a potential three-stage response to discriminatory behavior. The subsequent steps could involve suspensions or match abandonment if the behavior persists.

Following the game, Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Rudiger’s account and expressed the club’s full support, calling the incident “unacceptable.”

Rudiger’s complaint overshadowed a significant team victory, which saw Real Madrid outwork Pachuca despite playing most of the match with ten men after Raul Asencio was sent off early. Jude Bellingham scored the first goal, with Arda Guler and Federico Valverde adding two more in the second half. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was crucial in maintaining the lead, making ten saves including key stops in the final moments.

Madrid advances to the knockout stage if they beat Red Bull Salzburg in their next match, with Kylian Mbappe expected to return after a brief illness. Pachuca, on the other hand, has been eliminated and will face Al-Hilal in their final group game.