Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri said they were racially abused on social media following their sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Fofana, who was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on James Ward-Prowse, shared screenshots of messages he received on Instagram after the match.
The Frenchman wrote on Instagram: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes.
“These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”
Chelsea condemned the abuse via a statement, saying: “Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by vile online racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana.
“The targeted racist abuse Wes has been subjected to following today’s Premier League fixture against Burnley is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.
“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.
“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.”
EPL: Chelsea, Aston Villa held in blow to Champions League hopes
Mejbri, who was fouled for the first of the two yellow cards that led to Fofana’s dismissal, also posted the messages he received on social media.
“Educate yourself and your kids,” he wrote in an Instagram story.
Burnley backed the Tunisian in a statement, saying there was no space for racism at the club.
The club stated: “Everyone at Burnley FC is disgusted by the online racist abuse directed at Hannibal following today’s Premier League fixture.
“There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it unreservedly.
“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.
“Hannibal will receive the full backing from the club and from the Burnley fans who we have already seen condemning the abuse. There is no room for racism.”
The draw moved Chelsea into fourth place on goal difference ahead of Manchester United, who face Everton on Monday and could reclaim the position with a win.
- FCT poll: APC wins Bwari, AMAC chairmanship elections - February 22, 2026
- Chelsea’s Fofana, Burnley’s Mejbri racially abused on social media - February 22, 2026
- ‘Contractors must accept FG’s policies’: Umahi denies rift with Julius Berger - February 22, 2026
