Burnley and Chelsea have publicly condemned online racist abuse aimed at their players Hannibal Mejbri and Wesley Fofana in the aftermath of the teams’ 1-1 draw on Saturday. The clubs responded after offensive messages appeared on social media directed at both players, prompting renewed calls within the sport for stronger action against discrimination.
In statements released after the match, both clubs underlined their support for Mejbri and Fofana and reiterated that there is no place for racism in football or in wider society. Each club emphasized a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for players, staff, and supporters, and indicated that they oppose all forms of discriminatory behavior, whether inside stadiums or online.
Burnley expressed solidarity with Hannibal Mejbri, condemning the abuse he received and stressing that any form of racist behaviour is completely unacceptable. The club reaffirmed that it stands fully behind the player and will continue to support him. Burnley also highlighted its broader efforts to promote equality and respect, pointing to ongoing work within the club and community to challenge prejudice and encourage a welcoming atmosphere for everyone connected with the team.
Chelsea issued a similar message regarding Wesley Fofana, denouncing the racist abuse directed at the defender and offering him full backing. The club reiterated its long-stated stance against racism and discrimination, noting that it supports initiatives designed to educate, raise awareness, and deter abusive conduct. Chelsea indicated that such messages do not represent the values of the club or the vast majority of its supporters.
Both clubs’ reactions reflect a wider push within the game to address racism more effectively, particularly on social media platforms where players are frequent targets of abuse. Football authorities, clubs, and players’ organizations have repeatedly called for stronger measures from technology companies, including quicker removal of racist content and more robust tools to identify and sanction offenders.
The 1-1 result between Burnley and Chelsea was overshadowed by the aftermath online, shifting focus from events on the pitch to the ongoing struggle against discrimination. While details of any potential investigations or disciplinary actions were not immediately disclosed, the public statements from both clubs signal continued pressure on governing bodies and digital platforms to treat racist abuse as a serious and urgent issue.
By responding swiftly and unequivocally, Burnley and Chelsea have aligned themselves with a growing movement in football that seeks to protect players from racist attacks and reinforce the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. The support shown for Mejbri and Fofana underscores the view that tackling racism requires a collective stance from clubs, leagues, and supporters, as the sport continues to work toward a more respectful and inclusive environment for all participants.
