Wesley Fofana was sent off in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after which he was subject to racist abuse online, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old French defender of Ivorian heritage was shown a second yellow card for a needles challenge on James Ward-Prowse in the 72nd minute.
His dismissal allowed Burnley get into the game after Chelsea had taken the lead since the fourth minute via Joao Pedro. The Clarets eventually levelled in the 93rd minute through Zian Flemming.
After the game, Fofana posted some racist messages he received on social media and questioned the campaign against ending racism in football.
“2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism but nobody actually does anything,” the former Leicester City man said.
Chelsea in a statement condemned the act, stressing it was unacceptable.
“Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by vile online racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana,” read the statement.
“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.”
Club statement: Wesley Fofana.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 21, 2026
Burnley and Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was also subject to racist abuse on Instagram after the match and called on those engaging in the vile act to educate themselves.
“It’s 2026 and there are still people like that. Educate yourself and your kids, please,” the former Manchester United player said.
Burnley, in a statement, expressed disgust at the incident, and have already been in touch Instagram parent company, Meta.
“Everyone at Burnley FC is disgusted by the online racist abuse directed at Hannibal following today’s Premier League fixture,” read the statement.
“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.”
Burnley FC has tonight issued a Club statement in the wake of disgusting online racist abuse directed at Hannibal following today’s Premier League fixture.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 21, 2026
These two incidents come off the back of the alleged racist abuse against Vinicius Jr by Gianluca Prestianni in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid in Lisbon which is currently under investigation.
In other results on Saturday, Manchester City moved within two points of leaders Arsenal with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium, Nico O’Reilly netting a brace.
Aston Villa and Leeds United played out a 1-1 draw while the tie between West Ham and Bournemouth was goalless, and Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Brentford 2-0.
