Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso told reporters that FIFA started looking into racist abuse claims against defender Antonio Rüdiger. The German player says Gustavo Cabral from Pachuca used racial slurs during their Club World Cup match on Sunday. Real Madrid beat the Mexican team 3-1 during the game. The trouble started five minutes after regular time ended when Rüdiger got fouled and argued with Pachuca players. Referee Ramon Abatti crossed his arms over his chest to start the special anti-racism rules.
Alonso promised his team will back Rüdiger completely during the investigation process. The Spanish manager said he trusts what his defender reported about the incident. He stressed that football needs zero tolerance for racist behavior from any player. FIFA will start their official investigation once they receive the referee's written report about what happened. The world football organization takes these accusations very seriously.
Cabral spoke to media after the match and denied using racist language against the Real Madrid player. The Pachuca defender claimed he only called Rüdiger chickens during their argument. He rejected all claims that he made racist comments toward the German international. The Mexican player insists his words were not meant to be offensive based on race. FIFA investigators will examine all evidence before making their final decision about punishment.
Alonso promised his team will back Rüdiger completely during the investigation process. The Spanish manager said he trusts what his defender reported about the incident. He stressed that football needs zero tolerance for racist behavior from any player. FIFA will start their official investigation once they receive the referee's written report about what happened. The world football organization takes these accusations very seriously.
Cabral spoke to media after the match and denied using racist language against the Real Madrid player. The Pachuca defender claimed he only called Rüdiger chickens during their argument. He rejected all claims that he made racist comments toward the German international. The Mexican player insists his words were not meant to be offensive based on race. FIFA investigators will examine all evidence before making their final decision about punishment.
