Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri have both been subjected to racist abuse on Instagram following their Premier League encounter on Saturday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Fofana receiving two yellow cards and being sent off.
Hannibal, who was fouled for the first of the two bookings that led to Fofana's dismissal, shared a direct message containing racist abuse on his social media. He wrote: "It's 2026 and there still ppl like that … Educate yourself and your kids pls." Fofana also posted the abuse he received.
Burnley issued a statement strongly condemning the abuse, saying: "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 confirmed it has reported the post to Meta and expects support from the Premier League and police, adding that Hannibal will receive full backing.
Chelsea also responded, stating they were "appalled and disgusted by vile online racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana." The club emphasised that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, adding: "We stand unequivocally with Wes. He has our full support." Chelsea vowed to work with authorities and platforms to identify the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.
The Premier League released a statement before Fofana's abuse came to light, saying: "We join Burnley in strongly condemning the abhorrent racist abuse directed at Hannibal and have offered our full support to the player and club. Football is for everyone and there is no place for discriminatory abuse in our game or anywhere in society." The league warned that any individuals found guilty of discrimination will face severe consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.
