Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri said they were victims of racist abuse on social media after their teams' 1-1 draw in the Premier League at "Stamford Bridge" on Saturday, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Fofana, who was sent off in the 72nd minute of the match after receiving a second yellow card, shared screenshots of messages he received on Instagram after the match. “2026, still the same, nothing changes“, the Frenchman wrote on Instagram. “These people are never punished. "You create big campaigns against racism, but no one actually does anything," he added.
Chelsea condemned the abuse on their official website. "Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and goes against the values of the game and everything we stand for as a club. There is no place for racism," the club said in a statement.
"We stand firmly behind Wes. He has our full support, as do all of our players who too often have to endure this hatred simply for doing their jobs. We will work with the relevant authorities and platforms to identify the perpetrators and take the most decisive action possible," the London club wrote.
Mejbri, who was booked for the first of 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 an Instagram story. Burnley backed the Tunisian in a statement, saying there was no place for racism at the club. "There is no place for it in our society and we condemn it unreservedly," the club said on its website. "The club remains firm 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, along with the Premier League and the police, and will work to ensure that the person responsible is identified and investigated," Burnley wrote.
The draw temporarily lifted Chelsea into fourth place on goal difference ahead of Michael Carrick's Manchester United, who face Everton on Monday and can reclaim the position with a win or draw.