A match at Bank of America, North Carolina, on 22/6 was interrupted in second-half stoppage time after an argument between Cabral and Rudiger. The Real Madrid center-back accused Cabral of racially abusing him.

Referee Ramon Abatti immediately crossed his arms, signaling that FIFA's anti-racism protocol had been activated, and temporarily stopped the match.

Antonio Rudiger (left) argues with Gustavo Cabral at the end of Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: AFP

Cabral addressed the incident after the match. "The referee thought there was racism, but there wasn't. I called him 'a coward,' which is a common expression in Argentina, that's all. I kept repeating it," the Pachuca player said.

The 39-year-old Argentinian center-back also revealed that Rudiger wanted to fight off the pitch after the final whistle. "Rudiger gestured for a fight and invited me outside," Cabral recounted. "I was angry too. We argued in the tunnel, but it didn't go any further."

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said: "The FIFA protocol has been activated. We will find out what happened. Rudiger says he was racially abused, and we believe him. There's no tolerance for this; it shouldn't happen."

Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano said he was unaware of the accusation and would speak to Cabral. "Things like this have never happened with Pachuca players," he expressed.

According to ESPN, FIFA has not yet clarified the incident and is awaiting the referee's report.

Real Madrid won the match 3-1 thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde. This result puts Real Madrid at the top of Group H with 4 points, while Pachuca has been eliminated with zero points after two matches. In the final round on 26/6, Real Madrid will face RB Salzburg, and Pachuca will play Al Hilal.

Key moments of Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca.

Cabral has played for several Argentinian clubs, including Racing Club and River Plate, before moving to Spain to play for Levante and Celta Vigo. He joined Pachuca in 2019 and has become a key player for the team.

Rudiger played for VfB Stuttgart, Roma, and Chelsea before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. The German center-back has been the target of racism several times at both club and international level, both on the pitch and on social media.

Hong Duy (Mundo Deportivo, ESPN)