By : Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
FIFA on Tuesday opened disciplinary proceedings against Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral following an incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Ruediger during their Club World Cup match on Sunday, which prompted the activation of the anti-discrimination protocol.
“Following an assessment of the match reports, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee opened proceedings against CF Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral in relation to the incident involving him and Real Madrid’s Antonio Ruediger during the FIFA Club World Cup game played in Charlotte on June 22,” FIFA told Reuters.
Ramon Abatti the match referee activated the anti-discrimination protocol by crossing his forearms in front of his chest five minutes into stoppage time after a brief scuffle erupted following an apparent foul on Germany international Ruediger.
Asked during a post-match press conference if Ruediger had been a victim of racism, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said: “That’s what Ruediger said, and we believe him.”(Reuters).
This was the first appearance of Ruediger since his last match with Barcelona last season where the lost by 3-4 in favour of the recent Laliga Champions. Nonetheless, his return to playiing ways brought a lot of balance to the team’s performance.(sportsday news)
