Chelsea and Burnley condemn racist abuse of Fofana and Mejbri

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri said they were racially abused on social media on Saturday after their side’s 1-1 draw in the 2025-26 Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

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.

“2026, it’s still the same, nothing changes,” the Frenchman further wrote Instagram.

«These people are never punished. You mount big campaigns against racism, but no one actually does anything,» he added.

Chelsea condemned the abuse on her official website.

«Such behavior is completely unacceptable and goes against the values ​​of the game and everything we stand for as a club. There is no room for racism,» the statement said.

«We unequivocally stand behind Wes. He has our full support, as do all our players, who are too often forced to put up with this hatred just for doing their jobs. We will work with the relevant authorities and platforms to identify the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action,» it added.

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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 children,” he wrote in one message Instagram story. Burnley supported the Tunisian in a statement and said there is no room for racism at the club.

“There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it without reservation,” the website says. The club remains unequivocal in its position: we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination. “The club has reported the post to Instagram’s parent company, Meta, and expects strong support from them, along with the Premier League and the police, and will do everything possible to ensure the person responsible is identified and investigated,” the club added.

The draw moved Chelsea into fourth place on goal difference, ahead of Michael Carrick’s Manchester United, who face Everton on Monday and could regain the position with a win.

Published on February 22, 2026