Wesley Fofana and Hannibal subjected to racist abuse after Chelsea's draw against Burnley
Wesley Fofana posted some of the racist messages he received on his social media; Burnley also released a statement saying Hannibal had also received racist abuse after the Clarets drew against Chelsea in the Premier League; Fofana was sent off in the game
Saturday 21 February 2026 22:46, UK
Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana highlighted some of the racist abuse he received on Instagram after the Blues' draw with Burnley, with Clarets midfielder Hannibal also subject to racist abuse.
Fofana was sent off in the 72nd minute of the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge and shared several racist messages he received following the match.
He also wrote: "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."
A Chelsea statement added: "Chelsea Football Club is 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 authorities and platforms in identifying the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action."
Sky Sports News has contacted Instagram's parent company, Meta, asking what action is being taken against the offending account users. We have also contacted Kick It Out for comment.
Burnley revealed earlier on Saturday that Hannibal had also received racist abuse following the match and have reported the offending accounts to Meta and Lancashire Constabulary.
A club statement read: "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."
The incident comes in the same week that Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr alleged a racist comment was made to him by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
