Both Chelsea's Fofana and Burnley's Hannibal received racist abuse on Instagram after their match
Fofana was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, including one for fouling Hannibal
Both clubs issued strong statements condemning the racism and promising action
The Premier League condemned the abuse and promised the strongest consequences for perpetrators
📖 Full Retelling
Wesley Fofana of Chelsea and Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley have both been subjected to racist abuse on Instagram following their Premier League teams' 1-1 draw in February 2026, with the incident occurring after Fofana was sent off for two yellow cards, including one for fouling Hannibal. Hannibal, who was fouled for the first yellow card that led to Fofana's dismissal, posted the abusive direct messages he received on Instagram with the caption: 'It's 2026 and there still ppl like that … Educate yourself and your kids pls.' Fofana similarly shared the racist abuse he received on the social media platform. In response, Burnley FC issued a strong statement expressing disgust and declaring their zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, confirming they had reported the incident to Meta (Instagram's parent company) and expected support from the Premier League and police in identifying the perpetrator. Chelsea FC likewise condemned the 'vile online racist abuse' directed at Fofana, stating they would work with authorities to identify and take action against those responsible, while the Premier League joined in the condemnation, emphasizing that 'football is for everyone' and promising the strongest possible consequences for those found guilty of discrimination.
Racism is the belief that groups of humans possess different behavioral traits corresponding to inherited attributes and can be divided based on the superiority of one race or ethnicity over another. It may also mean prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against other people because they...
Burnley () is a town and the administrative centre of the wider Borough of Burnley in Lancashire, England, with a 2021 population of 78,266. It is 21 miles (34 km) north of Manchester and 20 miles (32 km) east of Preston, at the confluence of the River Calder and River Brun.
The town is located near...
Carthaginian general and statesman (247–183/181 BC)
Hannibal (; Punic: 𐤇𐤍𐤉𐤁𐤏𐤋; 247 – between 183 and 181 BC) was a Carthaginian general and statesman who commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. Hannibal lived during a period of great tension in the Mediterranean Basin, triggered b...
Chelsea’s Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal abused by online racists Fofana’s first of two bookings was for fouling Hannibal Burnley: ‘There is no place for this in our society’ 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 a...
