Wesley Fofana (wesley fofana) and Hannibal Mejbri racially abused after 1-1 draw
wesley fofana and Hannibal Mejbri were the targets of racist messages on Instagram after Burnley’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, prompting public statements from both clubs and the governing competition and the sharing of abusive screenshots by the players. The incidents followed a match in which Fofana was sent off.
Two yellow cards, a foul on Mejbri and a sending-off in the 1-1 draw
Fofana was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the match, the first of which came for a foul on Hannibal Mejbri. The game finished 1-1 between the teams.
Hannibal Mejbri posted direct-message abuse and a 2026 message
Mejbri shared an image of the racist abuse he had received on Instagram, posting the messages he had been sent in a direct message and writing: "It's 2026 and there still ppl like that... Educate yourself and your kids pls. " His club said there is no place for this in society.
Wesley Fofana: Chelsea statement and Fofana’s screenshots and comments
Chelsea said they were "appalled and disgusted by vile online racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana. " The club described the targeted abuse Wes has been subjected to following the Premier League fixture against Burnley as "abhorrent and will not be tolerated, " adding that "there is no room for racism. "
Fofana also posted screenshots of racist messages he had received and wrote: "2026, it's still the same thing, nothing changes. " He added: "These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything. " Chelsea said the club stands unequivocally with Wes, that he has the club’s full support, and that the club will work with relevant authorities and platforms in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.
Burnley’s response and referrals to Instagram’s parent company, Meta, the Premier League and police
Burnley 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 said it has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
Burnley confirmed it had reported the post to Instagram's parent company, Meta, and expects support from Meta, the Premier League and the police. The club said it will work to ensure the individual responsible is identified and investigated and that "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. "
Premier League condemnation and possible consequences for perpetrators
The Premier League joined the clubs in strong condemnation, offering full support to the player and club and saying: "Football is for everyone and there is no place for discriminatory abuse in our game or anywhere in society. " It warned that any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, "including club bans and legal prosecution. "
