Rüdiger claims racist abuse in Pachuca victory at the ongoing 2025 FIFA Club World Cup towards the end of the game.
After Antonio Rüdiger claimed to have been the target of taunts during Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca of Mexico in the Club World Cup on Sunday, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso declared he had “zero tolerance” for racism.
Whether the alleged abuse originated from an opponent or the audience was not immediately apparent. Fifa has not yet responded to the accusations.
It was not immediately clear whether the alleged abuse came from the crowd or an opponent. Fifa has yet to comment on the allegations.
After a brief altercation broke out following an apparent foul on Germany international Rüdiger, referee Ramon Abatti crossed his forearms in front of his chest five minutes into stoppage time, signalling the start of the anti-racism protocol.
In the previous ninety minutes, 10-man Real Madrid had won a Group H match played in hot conditions on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler late in the first half.
Xabi Alonso’s first victory as manager of Real Madrid was secured by Federico Valverde’s diving volley in the 70th minute. Despite the early dismissal of defender Raúl Asencio on Sunday, the outcome puts his team’s Club World Cup campaign back on track following a thrilling 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in Wednesday’s opener.
If Real Madrid defeats or draws with Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia, they will guarantee a spot in the round of 16.