Hannibal Mejbri and Wesley Fofana respond to racist abuse after Chelsea v Burnley game
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana have spoken out on social media after being targeted with racist abuse following their Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. Both players shared their experiences online, highlighting the persistent issue of racial discrimination in football. Fofana, who was sent off during Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Burnley, revealed screenshots of abusive messages he received on Instagram and expressed frustration over the lack of consequences for such behavior. Mejbri, meanwhile, condemned the abuse by posting an offensive message he received and emphasizing the need for education to combat racism.
The clubs involved have responded strongly, with Chelsea stating they are "appalled and disgusted" by the abuse and committing to working with authorities to identify those responsible. Burnley also condemned the attacks, reporting the incident to Instagram's parent company, Meta, and expressing their support for Mejbri. The Premier League has joined in denouncing the abuse, promising that those found guilty will face severe consequences, including bans and legal action.
This latest incident comes amid a series of high-profile cases of racial abuse targeting footballers this season, including the alleged abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match. The issue has drawn significant attention, with recent BBC investigations revealing over 2,000 abusive social media posts directed at players and managers in just one weekend. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of eradicating racism in football and society at large.
The response from players, clubs, and governing bodies underscores the need for stronger measures to address racial discrimination. While progress has been made, the persistence of such abuse highlights the importance of continued efforts to educate fans and enforce stricter penalties for offenders. The collective voice of players and organizations is crucial in fostering a more inclusive environment in sports and beyond.
This issue matters not only to football fans but also to anyone concerned with societal equality and justice. The fight against racism in football reflects broader struggles against discrimination worldwide, making it a pressing concern for readers interested in global social issues.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026