Chelsea issue statement as Wesley Fofana subjected to ‘vile’ racist abuse

Wesley Fofana was sent off during Chelsea’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley on Saturday afternoon

Chelsea have issued a statement condemning the vile racist abuse directed at defender Wesley Fofana following his red card against Burnley. The defender was sent off after picking up a yellow card in each half.

A statement read: “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.

FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

“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.”

The Frenchman took to social media to expose some of the horrific messages he received. In five separate posts, he shared screenshots of users sending him racial slurs and offensive emojis.

He 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.”

Chelsea went on to draw 1-1 with Burnley, with Scott Parker’s side equalising in stoppage time through Zian Flemming. Some of the comments aimed at Fofana blamed him for the result.

But Blues boss Liam Rosenior has come out in the 25‑year‑old’s defence. “That wasn’t on Wesley, that was on our performance,” he said.

“From the first goal, we lacked decision, I wanted us to create wave after wave of attack. We were too safe in possession.”

Chelsea were a goal to the good at the time of his sending‑off, thanks to Joao Pedro’s first‑half strike.

However, the Clarets grabbed a late equaliser through Flemming after Fofana had been given his marching orders.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.

Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.