Xabi Alonso confirms FIFA investigating alleged racist abuse towards Rudiger

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has disclosed that FIFA is investigating alleged racist abuse towards Antonio Rudiger during their Club World Cup win against Mexican side Pachuca.

Rudiger clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in the closing stages of the game after claiming he had been fouled.

The Germany international spoke to referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who crossed his arms in front of his chest to signal that Fifa’s anti-racism protocol had been activated.

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Cabral denied he racially abused Rudiger. 10-man Real Madrid secured a 3-1 win, and players argued again following the final whistle.

After the game, Alonso told reporters: “Toni has informed us about something.

“We have to wait and see now. I think the Fifa protocol has been activated to investigate.

“But if something did happen measures need to be taken and we support Antonio because this is something unacceptable.

“There’s no tolerance for this at any level of football and whenever it occurs measures must be taken.

“That’s what Antonio has told us and we believe him.”

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Cabral said: “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 racism sign, but I was telling him the same thing the whole time.”

Pachuca head coach Jaime Lozano said in the post-match news conference: “I haven’t spoken to Cabral about this.

“I cannot give you an explanation about it because this is the first [I have heard of] this news.

“It cannot be justified at all. I’ve known him for a little while and and I have never heard of something like that with Pachuca players.

“I cannot defend my captain at any cost but I will talk about it with him.”

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