Chelsea, Burnley condemn racist abuse of Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri

Clubs have once again been forced to confront the ugly reality of online racism after Saturday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Wesley Fofana and Hannibal Mejbri revealed they were subjected to racist abuse on social media following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Fofana, who was dismissed in the 72nd minute after picking up a second yellow card for a challenge on James Ward-Prowse, shared screenshots of the messages he received on Instagram shortly after the final whistle.

“2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” the Frenchman wrote on Instagram. “These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”

Chelsea F.C. swiftly condemned the abuse in a statement published on the club’s official website, describing the messages as “completely unacceptable” and contrary to the values of both the game and the institution.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and runs counter to the values of the game and everything we stand for as a club. There is no room for racism,” they said in a statement.

“We stand unequivocally with Wes. He has our full support, as do all our players, who are too often forced to endure this hatred simply for doing their job.

“We will work with the relevant authorities and platforms in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.”

Mejbri, who was fouled in the incident that led to Fofana’s first booking, also posted screenshots of abusive messages he received. In a brief but pointed response on Instagram, the Tunisian midfielder urged: “Educate yourself and your kids.”

Burnley F.C. echoed Chelsea’s stance, making clear there is “no place for this in our society.” The club reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and confirmed it had reported the posts to Meta, Instagram’s parent company.

Burnley added that it expects strong cooperation from Meta, the Premier League and law enforcement authorities to identify and investigate the individual responsible.

“There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it unreservedly,” they said on their website.

“The club continues to be unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.

“The club has reported the post to Instagram’s parent company, Meta, and expects strong support from them, together with the Premier League and the police, and will work to ensure that the individual responsible is identified and investigated.”

On the pitch, the result lifted Chelsea into fourth place on goal difference ahead of Manchester United F.C., managed by Michael Carrick. United face Everton F.C. on Monday and can reclaim the spot with victory.