Hannibal Mejbri and Wesley Fofana have both been racially abused on Instagram in the wake of the former’s Burnley side drawing 1-1 at Chelsea after the latter was sent off.
Hannibal, who was fouled for the first of the two yellow cards that led to Fofana’s dismissal, posted the abuse he had received via a direct message on Instagram and wrote: “It’s 2026 and there still ppl like that … Educate yourself and your kids pls.” Fofana likewise posted the abuse he received.
Burnley issued a statement that said: “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.”
Chelsea said the club was “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.”
On social media, before the abuse of Fofana emerged, the Premier League said: “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. Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution.”
