Chelsea have reacted strongly to centre-back Wesley Fofana receiving racist abuse on social media following their 1-1 Premier League home draw with Burnley on Saturday (February 21).
Joao Pedro opened the scoring for the Blues inside four minutes at Stamford Bridge before Fofana saw red 18 minutes from time for the second of two bookable offences. The first of those fouls was on Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri, with both the Tunisian and Fofana receiving hateful messages.
Sharing screenshots of racist messages he had received on social media, Fofana said (as per ESPN):
"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 Blues issued a statement on their website condemning the abuse of their player and demanding strict action from authorities:
"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."
The statement concluded:
"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."
Going back to the aforementioned game, the Cherries capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Zian Flemming drilling home a close-range equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time to force a share of the spoils.
"We should have been more ruthless" - Chelsea boss Liam Rosenoir
Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir lamented the dropped points against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, despite bossing possession (67%), having drawn 2-2 at home to promoted Leeds United in their previous league outing.
Wesley Fofana's sending off marked the eighth time a Blues player was dismissed in the league this season, but the Blues paid for their profligacy, managing just two shots on target all game.
"We should have won the game," Rosenoir told the BBC. "We should have been more ruthless. There was a lack of penetration in the first half, second half we had more moments without the right final pass or finish."
"The four points we have dropped in our last two games shouldn't have happened. We still should win this game, and that is something I need to address very quickly."
The stalemate keeps the Blues fourth in the standings after 27 games, 13 points behind leaders Arsenal (58). They next take on the Gunners away on Sunday (March 1).