Burnley And Chelsea Condemn Racist As Premier League Pledges Strong Action

Burnley, Chelsea and the Premier League have issued strong condemnations after two players were subjected to racist abuse on social media following their recent top-flight fixture.

Burnley FC said it was “disgusted” by the online racist abuse directed at midfielder Hannibal after the match, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination. The club confirmed it has reported the offending post to Instagram’s parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., and expects support from the Premier League and police authorities to identify and investigate the individual responsible.

“There is no place for this in our society,” Burnley said, adding that Hannibal will receive the full backing of the club and its supporters, many of whom have already condemned the abuse.

Chelsea also moved swiftly after defender Wesley Fofana was targeted with what the club described as “vile” and “abhorrent” racist abuse following the same Premier League fixture between the two sides.

Chelsea FC said it was “appalled and disgusted” by the messages sent to Fofana, stating that such behaviour runs counter to the values of the game and everything the club stands for.

“There is no room for racism,” Chelsea said in a statement. “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.”

The London club added it would work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify the perpetrators and take the strongest possible action.

The Premier League echoed both clubs’ statements, posting on social media that it stands alongside Fofana and Chelsea in condemning the abuse, and reiterating its support for Hannibal and Burnley.

“Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society and we will continue to do all we can to support players who are subjected to discriminatory abuse,” the league said. “Football is for everyone.”

The league has stressed that any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination could face severe consequences, including stadium bans and legal prosecution, and urged supporters to report abuse both at matches and online.

The incidents mark the latest in a series of cases highlighting the ongoing issue of racist abuse directed at players across English football, particularly on social media platforms, with clubs and governing bodies continuing to call for stronger action to combat online hate.

_{Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / KelvinStuttard}